Washington Nationals win the World Series

In a series of firsts, the Washington Nationals win their first World Series, and the city's first since, like, the Civil War.

Big ups to our crosstown brothers.  Here's to hoping the Caps can keep up this winning tradition, because obviously the Redskins and Wizards will not carry the torch.  Ha!

Congratulations to Max Scherzer for throwing 100 pitches while injured and somehow keeping the Nats in it to win it.  Big heart on that guy.

And congratulations to Bryce Harper and Justin Verlander, who have combined for as many World Series wins as me.

Mr. Game Seven Puts Away the Defending Champs

Living up to his nickname, future Hall of Famer Justin Williams threw a loose puck from the corner to the goal crease, where Brock McGinn tipped it in for the game winner in double overtime.  Earlier, McGinn saved the game late in the third by diving across the crease (a la Top Line Tommy). 

While we are obviously disappointed with the result, we here at Contrarian Sports are still big fans of Williams, and we love the role players. 

Our bracket is also terrible.  Here's to next year.

Russian Machine Breaks Other Russian Machine

About halfway into the first period of Game 3, the first playoff game in Carolina in a decade, Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin was goaded into a fight Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov, of all people.

The bout was short, with Ovechkin finishing the much smaller, younger, and oddly aggressive Svechnikov with 3 rights in short succession.

Please pardon the annoying commentator.

Coupled with Michael Ferland's first period injury, the Hurricanes played most of the game with 10 forwards, yet still overwhelmed the Capitals, winning handily, 5-0.  While we at Contrarian Sports wish those two well, the Capitals missed a huge opportunity, as we are confident in guessing that the Hurricanes will begin next game with the full slate of 18 skaters.  Injuries are an unfortunate part of a sports, but when they occur, it is best to take advantage.  The Capitals did not, and lost in embarrassing fashion.

Game 4 will be Thursday. 

Playoff Bracket

Here is my playoff bracket.  Caps repeat as champs, beating Vegas in 6 games.

 

If the image is too small due to formatting, you can click on the image to see it in more detail.