The second semifinal match in the WMICPH contest is underway, as the infamous 2010 Montreal Meltdown takes on the little less infamous sweep in 2011 by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The winner of this will take on the 4OT loss to Pittsburgh in the finals.
Let's jump right into it.
Importance:
Both of these teams, 2010 and 2011, were ranked number one in the Eastern Conference, and represented what were probably this franchise's best opportunities to reach the SCF. I'd say that the Lightning loss was a bit more important based on the fact that it was in the second round, and it was after the Caps had changed their team identity to that of a more defensive one, and this second point probably led to Bruce Boudreau's dismissal in 2012.
Advantage: Lightning Shocker
Impact:
The impact sort of goes along with importance, but Montreal has evened the playing field a little in this one. The impact of the Meltdown was the franchise facelift that saw the team switch directions into a defensive style and led to Alex Ovechkin's two-year slump. The Lightning Shocker would eventually lead to Bruce Boudreau's firing, but that can be attributed to other factors as well.
Advantage: Montreal Meltdown
Shock Factor:
This is not even close. While Tampa was not supposed to win, they dominated the entire series, whereas Montreal won as an 8th seed after being down 3-1 in the series. Again, not even close.
Advantage: Montreal Meltdown
Grudge/Hate Factor:
Whether it is all the years as division rivals, the two disappointing playoff losses, or something else completely, Caps fans just can't stand Tampa Bay.
Advantage: Lightning Shocker
In the end, the Montreal Meltdown wins a tight one, with the sheer unpredictability of the loss sending Caps fans into dismay and completely changing the OV-Era Caps for the next few years. It makes one wonder what would have happened if the Caps hadn't run into an impossibly hot goalie; would the Caps still be in search of the first Stanley Cup in team history?
Come back soon to see if the Montreal Meltdown was worse than the 4OT loss to Pittsburgh in the finals of WMICPH contest!
Let's jump right into it.
Importance:
Both of these teams, 2010 and 2011, were ranked number one in the Eastern Conference, and represented what were probably this franchise's best opportunities to reach the SCF. I'd say that the Lightning loss was a bit more important based on the fact that it was in the second round, and it was after the Caps had changed their team identity to that of a more defensive one, and this second point probably led to Bruce Boudreau's dismissal in 2012.
Advantage: Lightning Shocker
Impact:
The impact sort of goes along with importance, but Montreal has evened the playing field a little in this one. The impact of the Meltdown was the franchise facelift that saw the team switch directions into a defensive style and led to Alex Ovechkin's two-year slump. The Lightning Shocker would eventually lead to Bruce Boudreau's firing, but that can be attributed to other factors as well.
Advantage: Montreal Meltdown
Shock Factor:
This is not even close. While Tampa was not supposed to win, they dominated the entire series, whereas Montreal won as an 8th seed after being down 3-1 in the series. Again, not even close.
Advantage: Montreal Meltdown
Grudge/Hate Factor:
Whether it is all the years as division rivals, the two disappointing playoff losses, or something else completely, Caps fans just can't stand Tampa Bay.
Advantage: Lightning Shocker
In the end, the Montreal Meltdown wins a tight one, with the sheer unpredictability of the loss sending Caps fans into dismay and completely changing the OV-Era Caps for the next few years. It makes one wonder what would have happened if the Caps hadn't run into an impossibly hot goalie; would the Caps still be in search of the first Stanley Cup in team history?
Come back soon to see if the Montreal Meltdown was worse than the 4OT loss to Pittsburgh in the finals of WMICPH contest!
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