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In that capacity, Baumgartner’s work is overseen by Mahoney, who has been the Capitals’ assistant general manager for four years. He spent the previous 17 seasons as the NHL team’s director of amateur scouting.

Washington lost to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup final to conclude Mahoney’s first season with the Capitals. Previously, as a scout with the Vancouver Canucks, his team had lost to the New York Rangers in the seven-game final of 1994.

After so many stellar regular seasons, the Capitals finally finished the job June 7, defeating the host Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 to end the Stanley Cup final in five games.

The post-game pandemonium included the lifting of the Cup by Baumgartner and Mahoney.

“It’s like it wasn’t real,” Mahoney marvels. “I knew it was shiny, but when you see it on the ice and everyone is carrying it around, it’s even shinier.”

As for Baumgartner, “I was surprised at how heavy it was,” he says with a chuckle.

Although more than a week has elapsed since the Capitals won their landmark championship, the news is still difficult to fully digest.

“I know we won the Cup, I know that I was on the ice, I know that I held the Cup, and I know that we had a tremendous parade, but it still hasn’t hit me what we accomplished as an organization,” Mahoney says. “Unbelievable.”

“I’m still in a little bit of disbelief,” Baumgartner adds. “It’s surreal after being with the organization for 10 years. I’ve gone through some trials and tribulations and I know the players have gone through even more. It’s so fantastic for everyone in the organization — from the off-ice staff to the coaches to the players — and it’s just a thrill to see them succeed.”