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Thoughtful Barry Trotz says Capitals have unfinished business, vows to be back

Geoff Burke / -USA TODAY Sports

Even in defeat, the Washington Capitals will have gained more supporters than detractors in an all-important season for a franchise that had reached a crossroads.

Perennial underachievers to underdogs throwing punches into the last round with the beasts of the east, the Capitals are a completely different team under Barry Trotz - and his philosophical postgame remarks do well to illustrate what's changed in Washington.

"Defeat is not your undertaker, it should be your teacher," he told reporters after Wednesday's Game 7 loss to the New York Rangers. "I’ll tell you what, we learned a lot."

We're learning from our history and we're looking it right in the eye. We went after this game … and almost pulled it off," Trotz added.

"I think my top guys delivered. All my top guys … They grew up. They grew (Wednesday)," he said.

As for Alex Ovechkin's guarantee:

"I would love to go into a foxhole with guys who stick their necks out."

With full backing of his team, and his thoughtful approach despite adrenaline coursing through his veins, we should make like his roster and buy in to what Trotz has to say.

Because the Capitals will be back.

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