Superstar Alexander Ovechkin is arguably the greatest player in the game right now (although a couple of centers over in Pittsburgh would probably take offense to that claim), and after winning his second consecutive Hart Trophy last season, the Russian winger is off to a very hot start in his campaign to become only the 3rd player in league history to win 3 straight MVP awards. Only two games into the season, Ovechkin already has 3 goals and 3 assists, and has looked, if it’s possible, more lethal than ever on ice.
He had two goals in the season opener against last year’s Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins and Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas, helping the Caps down the B’s 4-1. Two nights later, it took Alex the Great only 77 seconds to score on beleaguered Toronto netminder Vesa Toskala, as he ripped the first shot of the game into the back of the net to spark a 3-goal outburst from the Capitals that virtually ended the contest before it ever even got started.
However, like the superstars of old, Ovechkin appears to beginning to understand that he can do just as much damage when he moves the puck around as when he loads up what is probably the hardest wrist shot in the league. Playing with fellow Russian Alexander Semin and center Nicklas Backstrom, Ovechkin anchors what may be the most talented top line in the NHL this year. Playing alongside a star that demands constant attention like Ovechkin can only benefit these young talents, as they are more than capable of garnering top-caliber attention themselves. Semin scored twice against the Leafs, and netted two assists against the Bruins, adding a 3rd on Ovie’s game-opener against Toronto. Backstrom hasn’t been as quick out of the gate, but the quick Swede is coming off his first career 20-goal season last year, and has the potential to break the 100 point mark this year.
With Ovechkin coming out of the gates on fire, the Capitals look more than ready to defend their Southeast division title again, and may be ready to take the next step towards competing in the postseason. Now, if they can just get the goaltending situation sorted out.