Thursday night, the Leafs and Capitals played an entertaining opening game of their first round series, and it didn't go as expected.
Many fans thought the Capitals, who won the Presidents' Trophy this season, would dominate, especially in the opening game against a young Toronto team.
Instead, the Leafs took it to the Caps scoring two goals in the first to take a 2-0 lead. Washington battled back, though, to eventually tie the game, which was decided in overtime.
Obviously Leaf fans were disappointed after the loss while Capitals fans were excited, but there was no rubbing it in from the Washington side or angry fits from the Toronto side.
Instead it was all sportsmanship, at least it was between these four fans, after Washington won.
Just another reason why we love hockey.
After every series, regardless of how much hatred there is, both teams go through the handshake line and show respect for each other, and that's what these fans did after the game.
When the puck drops, emotions are at an all-time high for fans and players, but when that final buzzer sounds, respect takes over, and we love that about hockey and all sports in general.
We imagine Game 2 Saturday night will feature tension between fans and players, but as long as the respect and sportsmanship is there, that's all that matters in the end.
(H/T: /r/hockey)
