Midseason Analysis: Washington Capitals

Record: 31-12-6, 68 pts
Conference Rank: 1st
Division Rank: 1st
Top Scorer: Alex Ovechkin (30 goals, 35 assists, 65 points)
Top Goalie: Jose Theodore (14 wins, 2.85 GAA)
Midseason Grade: A+

When you talk about great offense, it doesn't get much better than the Washington Capitals this year. Alex Ovechkin is the league's most exciting player, and he's become even better this year, if that's possible. He already has 30 goals, and after his torrid start to the season, there was talk of him scoring 50 goals in 50 games. He'd have to score 20 goals in the next 9 games to reach that mark now, but he's still having a fantastic season, even by his standards.

Ovie isn't the only Capital having a great season, though. Mike Green leads the team with 38 assists, and it's a shock he and his 50 points were left off the Canadian Olympic team, especially considering his +20 rating. Nick Backstrom and Alex Semin both have 20 goals already, and Tomas Fleischmann is having a breakout season, currently on pace for a 50+ point season. Free agents Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble have been perfect in their roles, as well.

Defensively, the Caps aren't too shabby either, ranking 5th in the Eastern Conference in fewest goals allowed. Jeff Schultz is having an outstanding season, and is tied with Ovechkin for the team lead with a +27 rating. Semyon Varlamov continues to rank among the best young goalies in the league, with only 1 regulation loss in his regular season career. He's missed some time with injury this season, but should be fully ready for the playoffs. In the meantime, Jose Theodore has played great.

The future is bright for the Caps, both in the short and long term. They should have no trouble winning the weak Southeast Division, and should make a deep run in the postseason. Their prospects are great, as well. Mathieu Perreault looked great in his brief callup, as has defenseman Karl Alzner. John Carlson, the kid that scored the game winning goal for Team USA at the World Juniors, is currently playing for the Hershey Bears in the AHL. By the way, the Bears are also leading the AHL standings, and hold a 16 point lead in their own division, with only 9 losses all year.