Jamie Nye: Now I like the Capitals even more!

The Washington Capitals are a likeable team. They have plenty of Saskatchewan connections who could be showcased tonight lifting the Stanley Cup over their head in Vegas.

But they became instantly more likeable the second I read one way they’ve been dealing with the stress of the playoffs by playing Mario Kart.

It may be the single greatest party game in the history of video games.

The number of hours I’ve wasted in life with friends playing Mario Kart, I don’t care to remember. When Wii came out and you can connect and play online, it was a way my wife and I stayed in touch with good friends. Speakerphone on, playing Mario Kart, talking life and then swearing at each other when someone dropped a battle shell on you right before you crossed the finish line.

I was dry bones. My wife, Yoshi. Friends were toad and Mario.

Mario Kart is clearly a stress reliever if the Capitals are using it as a distraction on the road and dodging the bright lights of the Vegas strip.

I rather enjoy the idea one of my favourite video games could help the Capitals win the Stanley Cup.

Unless Vegas is able to drop a battle shell on them before they cross the finish line.