Hello All!
I hope everyone is doing well!
Heading into the 2021-2022 season, I think it is safe to say a majority of people probably thought the Capitals might take a step back this year. The Caps were oldest team for the 2020-2021 season and once again find themselves in that tier this season. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2017-2018, the Capitals have lost in the first round of the playoffs three straight seasons. Certainly not a good look. I heard a couple of narratives for why the Capitals will lose this year. Here are some of my favorites: Ovechkin is getting old. Kuznetsov will never be the same. Backstrom is injured. Goaltending is unproven. Carlson is not elite. It is what it is, I guess! Contrary to mainstream narratives and preseason predictions, the Capitals are off to a blazing start this season. They scored points in eight straight games to start the season before finally losing in regulation to the TBL last night. Through 9 games, the Capitals are tied for 2nd in the Metro and have the 6th most points in the league. Today I will be breaking down a few reasons why the Capitals are at where they are at in the standings. Let’s jump right in:
Ovechkin Aging Like Fine Wine – Ovi once again finds himself in the league lead for goals. He has nine goals in nine games. He is third in the league in points with 15 points in nine games. Of Ovechkin’s 15 points, only 5 have come on the power play. He is generating across all strengths on the ice. Ovechkin is currently second in the league with 42 shots total which translates to 4.66 shots/game. Even with the power play struggling at times, Ovechkin is finding ways to create and generate. Ovechkin is well on his way to another 50-goal season and possibly 100 points. Keep doubting him! He feeds off it.
Kuznetsov Bounce Back Start – The narrative with Kuznetsov last year was all over the place. He was in and out of the lineup all season. There was a fair amount of calls for him to be traded at the deadline and/or during the offseason. As painful as last season was, it seemed to have done Kuznetsov some good. He looks as focused and as relaxed as I’ve ever seen him. Kuzy is 5th in the league in points with 13 points in 9 games (8G-5A-13P). I’ve noticed multiple times while watching the game if Kuzy doesn’t make the exact play he wants to; he is quickly looking it up on the tablet on the bench before his next shift. The Capitals absolutely need Kuznetsov this season. If he can keep this up, the team will be in great shape. When the Caps won the Stanley Cup in 2017-2018, it was Kuzy who actually led the team in points when it was all said and done, not Ovechkin.
Goaltending - While the goaltending has not been ELITE to start the season, it has been solid. For their season SV%, Vanecek and Samsonov are 31st (.906) and 33rd (.904). For GAA, Vanecek and Samsonov are once again ranked closed at 18th (2.40) and 19th (2.43). To have two goalies in the top 19 for goals against average is quite impressive. I also feel the defense has done a pretty strong job this season limiting odd man rushes and breakaways. I have no statistical evidence to support this other than just a simple eye test and historical context from years past. All in all, this young goalie tandem has been up for the challenge this season.
Martin Fehervary –In what will likely be his first full season in the NHL, Fehervary has risen to the occasion! There was a little debate last year that the Capitals should have elevated Fehervary instead of signing countless veteran defensemen. The extra year in the minors appears to have paid off and Fehervary is skating with confidence. For the most part, you will see Fehervary skating on the top defensive line opposite of John Carlson. He is getting minutes and is mostly on the ice against opposing teams’ top lines. Fehervary brings speed, physicality, and the ability to generate offense.
Sure, there are other items to highlight but those are a few that jumped out to me to start the season! Thanks for reading everyone, have a great night!