The resurgence of the Washington Capitals hockey team has been unbelievable thus far. The Capitals hold the best record in the Eastern Conference at 41-13 and a total of 89 points under Head Coach Bruce Boudreau.
There are so many answers within the Capitals offense fromNicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, Mike Green, and Brooks Laich. The player who has not only been the best in the East, but the entire league, is two-time Hart Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin. He is another Wayne Gretzky due to his versatility and the offensive dominance he possesses.
Ovechkin has a total of 42 goals, 47 assists, and 89 points looking to add to his great season Saturday at the Scottrade Center. Moreover, Nicklas Backstrom has earned 26 goals, 49 assists, and 75 points. Alexander Semin earned 29 goals, 34 assists, and 63 points. Mike Knuble earned 21 goals, 19 assists, and 40 points for the Caps. Brooks Laich, also another bright star for the Capitals, has 20 goals with 25 assists and 45 points. The underrated defensive player Mike Green is also a factor for Washington’s success with a total of 14 goals, 44 assists, and 58 points. Even though Jose Theodore is 20-7 on the year and has a “goals against” average of 2.94, the Capitals are going to need another goaltender when the postseason time comes if they want to capture a Stanley Cup Championship. After collapsing in last year’s playoff postseason against the Pittsburgh Penguins, goaltending is incredibly important for the so-far triumphant team.
The Capitals are a great offensive hockey club, but if they lose, it won’t be their lack of offense. The Capitals need to prioritize their goaltending.
Washington needs to sign Carey Price from the Montreal Canadiens to have another answer in goal if Theodore and Varlamov both struggle.
Other names that could interest Washington include Martin Biron, Marty Turco, Tim Thomas, and Tomas Vokoun (who has been pulled off the trade market at the moment). You can’t have enough quality goaltending in the National Hockey League and this move would make the Capitals future much brighter.
The Capitals’ 14 game winning streak came to a halt on Wednesday night, losing 6-5 at the Montreal Canadiens in overtime. Tomas Plekanec scored the game winning goal at 4:52. The Washington Capitals losing streak is at two games due to an additional loss to the Ottawa Senators with the same score 6-5. Every team has losing streaks in the NHL, but the Capitals are well-equipped for a chance to have their dreams still come to fruition by winning the Stanley Cup this year.
Overall, goaltending and staying healthy will come into question as the season progresses. The Capitals have to continue to play consistent hockey. Through the last three games the Washington Capitals delivered three hat tricks by Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich, and Alexander Semin.
Will the Capitals’ outstanding goaltending be the same during the postseason? It remains to be seen. Hopefully, it will be better than last year’s postseason.
