Alex Ovechkin – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
As the playoffs draw ever closer, the Washington Capitals sit firmly at the top of the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan division and must rank as one of the leading contenders for the Stanley Cup this year. While the Western Conference has won the crown in each of the last four years, Washington are looking like the team to beat after an impressive regular season and this could finally be the season that the Chicago Blackhawks-Los Angeles Kings era comes to an end.
The main reason for Washington’s rise to prominence is Alexander Ovechkin’s phenomenal campaign. While the Russian has been a key component for the Capitals since he was selected with the first overall pick of the 2004 NHL Draft, he has been on another level this year and must rank as one of the best performers in the league in 2016. Earlier in the campaign, Ovechkin became the first Russian to score over 500 goals in the NHL
For some reason, the Capitals always seem to slip up in the postseason but that might not happen this season. Ovechkin is in fine form and currently sits at the top of the goalscoring charts with 42 in 69 games. That puts him three ahead of Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane. This incredible run is a key reason for Washington’s price of 15/4 in the Bet365 Stanley Cup odds.
With just a matter of weeks remaining, Washington have already secured their place in the postseason and Ovechkin’s impact could prove huge in the playoffs. The Capitals aren’t a one-man team by any means but the talented Russian remains the key component of a growing Washington side. If he’s at his best throughout the postseason, there’s absolutely no reason why the Caps cannot reach the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1998. On that occasion, they lost to the imperious Detroit Red Wings but Washington will be looking to finally announce themselves as a major NHL playoff contender.http://
The likes of Los Angeles and Chicago will fancy their chances this season, however, Washington are the team to beat on current form. The Capitals have lost just 15 games and Washington’s high-powered offense is a key reason for their success. Ovechkin has been simply sublime this year and has either scored or assisted a goal almost every game. With Ovechkin’s line in inspired form, Washington will certainly be there or thereabouts as the season advances and the playoffs draw ever closer.
Some teams have a tendency to make drastic changes at the business end of the season but Washington should just continue in the same vein. The Capitals are well on track to challenge for the Stanley Cup this year and, with a bit of luck, they could end their postseason hoodoo.
You must be logged in to post a comment.