With the Capitals (and their fans) celebrating a promised Game 4 win on Thursday night, NoVa Caps’ Lisa Desabrais gives her thoughts on the Capitals’ identity and the unity of the fans in the latest Thoughts From Section 217.

So much has been written (and discussed) during the regular season about the team needing to find its identity. I think the same can be said about the Capitals’ fans.

It’s time to go back to the time you became part of the “family”, back to a time you supported a team no matter the outcome. It’s so easy to become disillusioned and cynical. So easy to say, and it’s because we have seen the same results year-after-year, that our attitudes will change once the team gets past the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Is this the way we want to exist as a fan base? We talk about holding the team accountable for their play on the ice, but how about holding ourselves to the same standards as fans? In an interview not too long ago, center Evgeny Kuznetsov stated he prefers playing on the road versus at home; he likes bonding with the team but it’s also easier for him because of the pressures of playing at “home”. Are we part of that pressure?

Watching game highlights from different teams during the regular and postseason, there is one thing that continuously jumps out at me: the fans and the deafening noise and energy they bring to their barns! We need to bring that type of enthusiasm and intensity to our “house” from the time we enter the arena until the time we leave. Cheer, scream, clap, when the team is ahead. Cheer, scream, clap even louder when they aren’t. Too many times I have witnessed the arena become way too quiet as though we, the fans, are in a library, or have fallen asleep. Get passionate! Let them feed off of our spirited energy!

It’s been said the team is the only one that can change their narrative.  I believe we as a fan base need to change our narrative as well.

They say to keep the things that truly make you happy in life, if not let them go.  Be a Capitals fan or not, the choice is yours. Let the boys feel your presence on Saturday and the rest of the playoffs. Find your identity.

By Michael Fleetwood