In the offseason, everyone knew the Capitals were going to be a good team. But who would have known they would go on to win the second Presidents trophy in franchise history? With goalie Braden Holtby in net anything is possible for this team.
After another playoff disappointment in the 2015 season, second year general manager Brian Maclellan had enough. During the offseason Maclellan set out to build one of the most explosive lineups in the NHL. In doing so he brought over St. Louis Blues right winger T.J. Oshie, and two Los Angeles Kings forwards in Justin Williams, and Mike Richards. With these additions to an already lethal offense, the Capitals started to look like a serious contender.
T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams, both right wingers, have really found their place on the Capitals. Both have more than 45 points on the season. Mike Richards unfortunately has only played 32 games this year but could be a key asset in the playoffs having Stanley Cup experience.
One of the biggest surprises of the year is the performance of Evgeny Kuznetsov. In only his second full season, Kuznetsov is leading the team in points with 73. 23 year old Kuznetsov is also currently 4th in the league in both Assist and plus/minus. The playmaking Russian is often playing alongside fellow Russian teammate Alexander Ovechkin
The goal scoring machine Ovechkin once again finds himself atop the goal scoring leaderboard. Ovechkin is currently at 44 goals on the season, and looks like he may come a bit shy of the 50-goal mark which he has surpassed six times in his career, but a tremendous season without a doubt.
Braden Holtby, goaltender extraordinaire, is on the verge of history chasing the record of most wins in a season (48) held by Martin Brodeur. With only six games left, it’s tough to tell if he will break the record. Also keeping in mind Holtby may want some rest for what could be a long playoff run coming.
The only thing looming over the Capitals at this point is the fact that they have had such little success in recent playoff appearances. In three of the past four years, the Caps have lost to the New York Rangers in the playoffs.
The team was founded 1974 and still has not won a Stanley Cup final. Alexander Ovechkin has taken it upon himself to bring home the trophy to D.C.
The Caps look to turn it around this year while having home ice advantage the entire playoffs. As the standings are today the Capitals would be matched up with the scrappy Philadelphia Flyers. Hypothetically saying they win that series, the next series would be against either the Pittsburgh Penguins, or the dreaded New York Rangers.
Ovechkin has some good years left in him only being 30 years old, but will he ever have a better team then he has right now? In my opinion if they don’t get it done this year it may never happen. Ovi will go down in history as one of the best players to never raise the Cup.
What to watch: 3/31
Predators vs. Penguins –Two playoff teams looking to finish out the year strong.
Senators vs. Wild –Wild looking to stay in the playoffs, Senators look to play spoiler
