Source: http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2008/10/29/584-ovechkin-semin-cp081001.jpg
The Washington Capitals proved tonight just why they are currently the best team in the NHL. They were slacking off early, quite a disappointing first period against Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers. The Caps' proceeded to step up in the following two periods, while the Rangers didn't give up at all either. The Capitals eventually pulled through in the third period with a tally from young gun Nicklas Backstrom 6-5. The top powerplay in the league was once again on display tonight in New York going 3 for 9 with goals from Alexander Ovechkin, Tom Poti, and Backstrom, two of which( Backstrom and Poti) came in the third period. The Great Eight also had a great night tonight with two goals and an assist. What's even more significant is that Ovi is now at 500 career points in his brief, yet illustrious career. No questions asked, even with unusual contributors like Mike Knuble stepping up during this twelve game win streak, Alexander the Great is the one leading this squad with a new type of intensity.
Ever since Alex has taken the "C" when Chris Clark was traded to Columbus, this team has had a new attitude. They play a lot more aggressive than before, the power play is scary good after barely looking like one earlier this season, and the goaltending efforts of Jose Theodore have been stellar to say the least. Head Coach Bruce Boudreau finally seems to be setting the lines and not scrambling them as much. Although, when at home, scrambling the lines and mixing them up can confuse the away opponent, does it really build chemistry?
When looking at the Capitals now, they seem to have plenty of chemistry, evident especially on their first line of Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Knuble. Bruce has flirted with many of the options the Capitals have that can play on the first line. Tomas Fleischmann is already having a career year, Alexander Semin is having another stellar season, David Steckel is quite the face off man, Brooks Laich is also performing at a high level, as well as many others. It is a tough job trying to find the right places for all these young guys because they are coming out of nowhere. Who would've thought that Jason Chimera, acquired in the trade from Columbus for Chris Clark, would be a serious third line player. How about John Carlson, who is back down at Hershey, the young man who scored the winning goal for the United States in the Junior Championships had a good stint with the Caps while he was up. There is alot of talent on this team and it's scary how good they are.
There are a few things that they could do to improve the team. One, John Carlson and Karl Alzner should be groomed together as a defensive pair. Look at what the Chicago Blackhawks did with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, two great young defenseman. They are the Hawks' first defensive pair. They are young, talented, not to mention the starting defensive pair for Team Canada in the Olympics. What elevated them to such a status? Chemistry. They played with each other pretty much as soon as they entered the league. They know each others strengths and weaknesses, tendencies, etc. If the Caps can build the same type of chemistry with their two young defenseman, they would be even more dangerous than they are already. Two, even though Jose Theodore is hot, I'm afraid that he may be peaking too early. Maybe I'm a bit pessimistic, but was Varlamov a fluke last year in the playoffs? I still think that there is enough solid goaltending out there for the Caps to potentially grab another fresh body. Finally, the Caps need to stop getting so relaxed when they have early leads. They score so fast they seem to get too comfortable. To me that's a sign of coaching. Bruce Boudreau is a great coach, but I think he can light even more of a fire under this team.
That being said, it is certainly great to be a Capitals fan right now, and there doesn't seem like there's an end to the streak. The only possible road block seems to be the Winter Olympics in stopping this team's momentum. The best thing for the best team in the NHL to do now, take it one game at a time.
