Theo's Sports Corner by Theo Abbott

Can the Washington Capitals finally when the Stanley Cup this year?

The Washington Capitals (Caps) find themselves in a familiar position again this year atop the standings of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Metropolitan Division.  However, the regular season does not seem to be a problem for the Caps.  The team this year and as in past years continues to perform well in the regular season.  Yet, the Caps will truly be judged when the Stanley Cup Playoffs start.

The team is again led by NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin.  Since joining the Capitals in 2005-06, Alex has not been beyond the second round of the playoffs.  It is starting to be believed that Ovechkin may go down as the best player ever to never win a championship.  Despite the past shortcomings, Alex, this year is still surrounded by a lot of talent, including players Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen, Brett Connolly, Braden Holtby and coach Barry Trotz.

The past two seasons the Caps have had the best record in the entire NHL.  The team this year again is leading their division despite losing six players from last year’s team, replacing them with three rookies and three young project players.  The question is how far can the Caps go?  Can they beat the playoff demons that have plagued the team in the past?  Can they get past their nemesis, Pittsburgh Penguins, in the playoffs?

The Caps believe they have found a new identity and that they are mentally tough.  The team believes they are ready for a long playoff run and hopefully a place in the Stanley Cup Final.  Yet, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  First, this team needs to make the playoffs and then make it past the second round of the playoffs.  If they can do that, then maybe the team’s ultimate goal can be achieved; until then it remains to be seen.  Let’s hope this is finally the year the Caps break thru.

Theo Abbott
Contributing Writer