I live a very simple life, it doesn't take to much for me to have a good time. One thing I enjoy more than most is watching sports. Quite honestly I just don't watch sports, I live them. Whether its the Ravens, Orioles or Caps I get emotional invested like many other people do. I don't watch a lot of reality TV or sitcoms so for me its sports or practically nothing. There is just one problem, when you get so emotionally attached to something it makes it that much tougher when your team fails. Sports is the worst to get so attached to, because only one team a year wins it which plainly means the odds are against your team winning. I bring up this topic because Monday night sent me to the brink.Being the sports nut I am of course I planned my night around Game 5 of the Capitals-Rangers playoff series. Just like the first series the Caps were in this one has been extremely close. The Caps lost a marathon Game 3 and then rebounded to tie the series in Game 4. Game 5 didn't start well Rangers took an 1-0 lead into the first intermission. But like most of their games the Caps did not give up and took a 2-1 about midway through the third. The Capitals then started playing their gritty defense until a minute was left in the game and it seemed Washington was going to steal one in MSG. As rewarding and enjoyable as sports can be for players and fans it can be just as cruel. In the first round Joel Ward scored a game winner in Game 7 to send the Caps into the second round. On Monday Ward committed a awful penalty with 28 seconds left to essentially give the Rangers a 6 on 4 power play. They didn't waste any time and scored with 6.6 seconds left to tie the game. Let me say that again 6.6 seconds, that's how close the Caps were from winning Game 5. Instead they lose later in OT to fall behind 3-2 in the series.
Gut-punching is just the first term that comes to mind. I compare this loss to the Ravens AFC Championship game loss with only one difference. When Cundiff missed the kick against New England the Ravens season was over, the Caps are still alive even if they are on life support. To say I was a little perturbed throughout the day on Tuesday that would be an understatement. I was ill-tempered, short with people and honestly probably not the best to be around all day. It still amazes me that even after working in sports that a loss still affects me the way it does. For those who don't follow sports as closely as I probably think I'm insane well I cant really argue that. As much as I would like not to watch the Game 6 match up between the Caps and Rangers because of the fear of a giant letdown I will watch. And whether ill admit it or not win or lose for the Caps ill enjoy every minute of it. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. GO CAPS!
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