Washington Capitals Report at All-Star Break
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Capitals seemed like they had a slow start to the season. They have been more consistent lately and once again they lead the Metropolitan Division with a 33-10-6 record with 72. Washington has the best record in the NHL and they are on pace to win the President's Trophy for the second consecutive season.
Is that why they really want to settle for? It is Stanley Cup or bust at this point for them. Washington has been playing better as of late because they are playing better defense, and they don't get involved in meaningless scraps as often. If they focus, the Capitals will be fine. If they start to pick fights instead of playing hockey, then that's a problem.
Nicklas Backstrom has 13 goals and 34 assists so far this season. Alex Ovechkin has 23 goals and 22 assists. Evgeny Kutznetsov has 9 goals and 28 assists. T.J. Oshie has 18 goals and 14 assists.
They have 4 solid lines. Andre Burakovsky has become a solid young blood player for them with 10 goals and 17 assists this season. Matt Niskanen leads the Capitals defenseman with 26 points.
The goalie situation has been solid this season for the Capitals. Braden Holtby is 24-8-4 with a 1.97 GAA and a .930 save percentage, along with 6 shutouts. Backup Philipp Grubauer is 9-2-2 with a 2.13 GAA and a .924 save percentage along with 2 shutouts.
They have scored 160 goals and have given up 106 so far this season. They are ranked 14th in the NHL on the power play with a 19.9% rate. They are ranked 3rd in the NHL on the penalty kill with a 85.5% rate. Washington needs to play with swagger and an attitude in the second half of the season and the playoffs.
