Ovechkin, Capitals Showing Grit

When the NHL season began, critics were skeptical on whether or not Alexander Ovechkin could lead the Washington Capitals to the playoffs.  After 21 games it looked to be another down year when the Caps started 6-14-1.  Washington’s front office made a change though, firing head coach Glen Hanlon.  Looking for a fresh start, the team promoted Bruce Boudreau, the coach of the Capitals AHL affiliate to the position of interim head coach.  He is still coaching the team and has led them back into the playoff race. 

Much of the praise should go to Ovechkin, who is leading the NHL in points, 70, and goals, 43.  Perhaps his best performance was Jan. 31 against the Montreal Canadiens when he tallied four goals and one assist, the last goal being an overtime winner.  As amazing as that sounds, it was even more unbelievable because Ovechkin had broken his nose earlier in the game from a hit by Montreal defenseman, Francis Bouillon.  Alex also had stitches on his lip after getting hit with a puck, and a cut below his brow from a high stick in a prior game. 

Tough.  Determination. Persistence.

That game, and those three words, are seemingly a metaphor for the Capitals season thus far, going through much adversity with the firing of a coach and horrible start.  Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig has been competent enough to keep the Caps in most games, allowing Ovechkin to get the scoring done.  It also helps that the Capitals signed Ovechkin to a 13-year, $124 million contract extension - the richest in NHL history.  Maybe that is why he is playing so hard.  Regardless, it was a very good move by Washington’s front office.

Ovechkin is not the only one who has been playing through injuries.  Center, Michael Nylander, had been playing for six weeks with a serious shoulder injury before deciding to get surgery Jan. 21.  It truly is amazing how hard the Capitals players are working.  I have got to think it is going to end up paying off when the regular season ends. 

The Capitals are sporting a 24-24-5 record as of Feb. 5, which puts them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings.  They are six points out of the final playoff spot, currently held by the Boston Bruins.  The Eastern Conference is always jumbled and Washington should have an excellent chance to go on a streak and get in. 

The teams ahead of the Capitals are on shaky ground.  Atlanta, in ninth, has consistent goaltending questions.  The Islanders, in 10th, are a streaky team and you never know what you will get with them on any given night.  The Sabres, in 11th, probably present the biggest challenge for the Capitals, because of goalie Ryan Miller and an offense that is waiting to explode.  Finally, the Bruins in eighth, are getting excellent goaltending from Tim Thomas, but that is the sole reason why they are in the last playoff spot.  Their offense just cannot seem to get things going.

For the Caps, as long as Alexander Ovechkin can keep his scoring up, the team can make a few trades by the deadline to help relieve pressure off him, they get good goaltending, and a pinch of luck, I would say Washington could be looking at an eight seed in the playoffs come spring.