The entire run to the Stanley Cup was a cathartic experience for the Caps, and raising the championship banner against their biggest rival, the Penguins, would have capped it off perfectly.
In recent years, the NHL has scheduled the home openers for Stanley Cup winning teams against rivals. In 2016, the Penguins raised the banner in front of the Caps. In 2014, the Kings opened against the Sharks. In 2010, Chicago opened against the Red Wings, and in 2009 the Penguins opened against the Rangers.
To make matters worse, the Caps will then travel to Pittsburgh to play the Pens the next night.