Let's see, I've talked about our buddies in the Northeast Division. I've gushed about my love for the Atlantic Division. I guess that just leaves...
...ah, yes. The Southeast Division:
• Florida Panthers - Of all the Southeast Division teams, Florida probably draws the least amount of ire among the Caps faithful. That may be changing if the Cats continue to beat up on the Caps, a disturbing trend over the last two years, but even those games have been for the most part mind-numbingly boring. They may not have Luongo anymore but the fact that they have Ed "the Balding, Drunken Eagle" Belfour doesn't help their case too much. Given his age and penchant for being stun-gunned, even his tenure in the Sunshine State may not last too much longer. Bottom line? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
• Tampa Bay Lightning - I find myself both equally repulsed by and enamored of the Lightning. On the one hand, having missed the one postseason matchup between the Caps and Bolts I probably don't harbor the same resentment towards the bolts as others. I also admit to being a fan of one Vincent Lecavalier (and feel free to rant and whine all you want, he's a damn good hockey player). On the other...well, their coach is certifiably insane, they insist on playing 3 players until they fall down from exhaustion, and their captain is a tool (man). So, tough call. I may need another 8 games to make up my mind.
• Carolina Hurricanes - For whatever reason, the league and/or the scheduling gods seem to be trying to shove this rivalry down our throats. Two years straight we've had to play the 'Canes multiple times over short periods, creating mini-playoff series that have been anywhere from boring to great. Whether their little plot has worked or not remains to be seen, but I don't think many Caps fans were shedding too many tears when the 'Canes found themselves outside the playoffs looking in this year. Schadenfreude aside, there are any number of players in the red, white and black with the ability to get under the skin of DC residents, so stay tuned.
• Atlanta Thrashers - Once again, I'm saving the best for last. This has been an interesting rivalry to watch, particularly in the post-lockout era. Many of the Caps have expressed their hatred of the Thrash, and let's face it, every good rivalry has to have the hate both in the stands and on the ice. We can all point to that infamous throwdown back in November and the ensuing hype for a graphic illustration of how much Atlanta is hated around here, but I think it goes back at least to the beginning of last season. There just isn't much respect among Caps fans for the team itself or the way Hartley coaches.
So there you are - hatred up and down the East Coast. Doesn't it give you a warm, fuzzy feeling to see it all spelled out?
It's interesting looking over the Southeast Division, the division with which we are supposed to have the strongest rivalries, one key thing seems to be missing - the fans. It's what makes the battles with the Penguins, the Flyers, even the Sabres, go from just another hockey game to all out war. When you're battling on the ice and in the stands, it just takes things to another level. The atmosphere is electric and hopefully it's something that, in time, we'll start to see develop below the Mason-Dixon line.
Because if we're going to be stuck playing these guys 8 times a year, I want a recognizable group in the stands each time that I can aim my beer at.
Just kidding.
Kind of.
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