Caps, Defeating the Curse.

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Our Caps are once again favorites to win the Stanly Cup, and I can confidently say that this is the best team in the NHL. In past seasons, there has been a lingering lack of confidence entering the playoffs. However, this season, I don’t think it’s fair to let our franchise’s history cloud reality. It’s true we have the burden of disappointing playoffs, but we are deep at every position and I strongly believe we are good enough to overcome it.

My (not-so-bold) prediction: The playoff disappointment streak ends, and in my opinion, it doesn’t matter if they finish first in the Metropolitan Division or not; they are too ready, and too deep. The Metropolitan Division is home to three out of the four best teams this season. As of now, the Caps hold the first place spot, followed by the Pens, and then the Blue Jackets. For those of you who are not familiar with the playoff format, the league will force the teams that finish second and third in the division to play each other in the first round. So, that means one of the NHL’s best teams will have to suffer and early playoff exit. Washington can secure the top seed in the East if they beat Toronto, and Pittsburgh loses to Columbus.

If the season ended today, and the Caps secured the top seed, we would face the Ottawa Senators. This season we went 2-1 vs Ottawa, with Philipp Grubauer in net for our one loss. Grubauer is a great goalkeeper, but he’s no HOLTBY. I like our odds in the first round for sure, but we all know the second round is what really ails the Caps. As I said previously, the Caps are too deep and too ready this season; I wholeheartedly believe they overcome their previous playoff woes.

The Caps have an 8-1-1 record, and that’s tied for best in the league through the last 10 games. Never-mind the March stumble and the Arizona Coyote’s game hiccup, because the Caps are catching their groove at the perfect time. They have the players, the numbers, the motivation and the momentum to bring the first ever NHL championship to DC.

The more minutes we come across…

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Everyone has voiced their opinion about the NBA and resting players. It’s a touchy subject. The old school is saying the new class is weak, not to mention the science and trainers are pushing coaches to rest players. Really, the issue is the season is so long, it’s natural to try and find way to fight fatigue. If you want your team to perform come playoffs, sacrifices need to be made. There are plenty of ways to keep teams fresh and competition at a higher level, but let’s be honest…none are easier than resting a player.

Enter the NHL. Just like the NBA, the NHL has 82 games a season. Coach Barry Trotz has been “resting” his top line for most of the season. Yes, I am aware that playing 17 minutes instead of 19 is not the same as sitting a star player during a marquee primetime matchup, but the concept is the same.

The Washington Capitals are getting ready to fight it out for first place and secure 1st place in the Metropolitan division. Thankfully our coach had the foresight to rest his stars. Consideri the month of March; Ovechkin, Backstrom and Oshie are logging more than 19 minutes per game. This may not seem like a lot from their average of 18.30/game but it’s making a difference. Each one of those guys has been hitting the ice harder and their productivity and skills are shining through.

Tonight’s game versus the Blue Jackets is a pivotal Metro division clash. Entering Thursday’s games, the Caps have 102 points, the Penguins with 101 and Jackets clocking in with 100. A win tonight will give us some much needed breathing room. It would also help eith that whole playoff seeding format. A win tonight would help ensure dont face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. If you’re familiar with the Caps, you know we don’t like the penguins come playoff time.

Tonight’s game will be 4 out of 5 between the two teams. Last game we snapped the Blue Jackets 16-game win streak. Translation — tonight’s game won’t be a walk in the park. A division rival, a close playoff race, a bad taste in Columbus’ mouth, all with one more matchup come April 2. Thankfully our coach rested our players and can now play more minutes in these important games.