We Were On a Break!

As happens in so many relationships, sometimes it becomes necessary to take a step back and get some space, a little distance before someone does something rash. This is one of those times. I'm out of town for work today and tomorrow, and it's a good thing, too, because after last night I'm in a fight with every single member of the Washington Capitals...

...even if they don't know it.

My love affair with this team has spanned a lifetime. And, as in all relationships, we have had our ups and downs. Sometimes they frustrate me, other times they surprise me. They're inconsistent and infuriating. They're exhilarating and exciting. This roller coaster ride has brought me immense joy and tremendous heartache, but the love never falters, even when we're fighting. Some may call that stupidity - I call it blind loyalty.

So why are we fighting? Because of last night. Because of the last two weeks. Because of the last 24+ years. Where do I even start...

I've never completely understood the phrase, "I'm so angry I could spit". Not being male, I've always been perfectly happy keeping my spit to myself - I've just never had a particular urge to expectorate for any reason, angry or not. "Seeing red" is another one. The world's colors remain intact regardless of my mood - the sky is blue, grass is green, etc.

But make way, because right now I'm spitting and seeing red all over the damn place.

Last night is really just the tip of the iceberg, the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. It's not just the loss. I don't think I've hidden the fact that a loss from this team is somewhat bearable and acceptable so long as they play hard and at least attempt to get the win. Even having one bad period is okay.

When the team is sluggish from start to finish, though, that's not okay. When they allow the hated Jagr to score his 1500th career point (and then some), that's not okay. When they appear unable to kill off any extended period of time a man down, that's not okay. In fact, it's unacceptable. I don't have to spell out all the bad things that happened last night - they know what they did, and if they don't, they should.

Believe me, I don't want this to sound like I'm giving up. Far from it. There will be no flying off to the Dominican Republic for a quickie divorce, no citing "irreconcilable differences". It's just a rough patch, and over time we'll get through this. In fact, I'm sure I'll be back to my normal, naively optimistic self after the next Caps' win, whenever that may be. I'm in this thing for the long haul, and I'm willing to hang in there to the bloody end.

For now, though, I'm just going to need some time.

Looks like someone is sleeping on the couch tonight.