The Washington Capitals’ history of playoff disappointments began even before they ever reached the postseason.
The proof is hanging in the closet in Bruce Peters’ home in Waldorf, Maryland, about 30 miles away from where the Presidents’ Trophy winners will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 7 on Wednesday night with a spot in the Eastern Conference finals at stake.
The T-shirt, purchased at the long-since demolished Capital Centre, remains in impeccable condition. On it is a cartoon image of an unnamed Washington player with a devil sitting over his shoulder. Across the bottom it reads: ”Playoffs 1981 – Paid Hell To Get Here.