"Washington Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup Champions" tells the story of a championship that finds its roots in the lean, early seasons leading up to the passionate celebrations in June, a party 44 years in the making.
Available now through pre-order
before being released July 31, the Blu-Ray combo pack DVD, produced by NHL Original Productions, offers an in-depth recap and behind-the-scenes look at the run to the championship, including interviews with captain and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin, goaltender Braden Holtby, forwards Devante Smith-Pelly, T.J. Oshie, Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom and defenseman John Carlson. There is also footage of locker room talks from coach Barry Trotz throughout the season.
Extras include footage from the Capitals' celebration on the ice and in the locker room, as well as their rally in front of thousands of fans on the National Mall.
The film examines important points in Capitals history; their struggles as an expansion team, an ownership change, drafting Ovechkin and building a contender, only to be disappointed with early Stanley Cup Playoff exits.
When the film reaches the 2017-18 season, low points are re-introduced, including several rough road losses and times when it looked like the team was regressing, only to set the stage for the triumphs to follow.
Perseverance was a trademark of the Capitals throughout the regular season and playoffs, and the film captures the work involved in building a championship season from the perspective of the players.
After Washington finally defeats its longtime rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the Eastern Conference Second Round, there is so much elation in the room, Trotz reminds his players that they're only halfway to the goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Although the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning went seven games, a sense that the Capitals were destined and determined to win is conveyed by the film.
After defeating the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in five games in the Stanley Cup Final, it's time to celebrate.
The raw emotion and partying of the players becomes more relatable with the understanding that they didn't only have to overcome years of disappointment, but also fight their way past challenges during a season in which they weren't expected by outsiders to win the championship.
The party was well-deserved, and to see and hear the players and coaches relive the experience, it becomes evident that there isn't a moment of this journey that will be forgotten.
