Capitals, Bruins Credited With Revitalizing Hockey In DC, Boston

In Past, Bruins Have Been Overshadowed By Other Boston Sports, But Today "Hot Again"

Even though the Capitals lost their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Penguins, their accomplishments this season "go well beyond the ice, and beyond wins and losses," as the franchise has "done what once seemed impossible: turned [DC] into a hockey town," according to John Feinstein of the WASHINGTON POST. Though the Redskins will "always be this area's obsession," the Capitals are "here to stay as an important part" of DC sports culture. And outside of Game Seven of the Penguins-Capitals series, the matchup between Penguins C Sidney Crosby and Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin "more than lived up to the hype" (WASHINGTON POST, 5/15).

BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT: In Boston, Stephen Harris notes the overriding problem for the Bruins in recent years "has been their relevancy in the crowded, illustrious world of Boston sports," or "more precisely, their lack thereof." The Bruins "weren't just overshadowed by the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics; at times it seemed as if they'd vanished from the sports radar here entirely." But these days, the Bruins are "hot again," and the "excitement of old has returned, with bars crammed with cheering fans watching B's games and talk radio filled with conversation about the team" (BOSTON HERALD, 5/15).