Washington is the Team to Beat in Eastern Conference

Cover The Number — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:54:20 +0000

The Washington Capitols are establishing themselves as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. They are off to one of the best starts in team history, and are scoring goals at a tremendous rate. They currently have 13 more goals scored than the next highest team in the league.

Much of their success is due to their leader on offense Alex Ovechkin. The biggest surprise thus far has been the contribution of Nicklas Backstrom in just his 2nd full season as the starting center. He already has 39 points and is on pace for a 100 point season. It may be easy for him to rack up assists when he puts the puck on Ovechkin’s stick, but has become a force in this league.

The Capitols 48 points is currently tops in the NHL as they have lost just 7 games in regulation to 21 wins. Perhaps the most impressive part to Washington’s season is their 8-0 division record. They have absolutely dominated the rest of the Southeast division including 2 wins over a solid Atlanta squad.

Behind the net, the combination of Theodore and Varlamov has been efficient. While Jose Theodore has a decisive edge in experience, he has been matched if not beaten by the efforts of Semyon Varlamov who is off to an incredible 12-1 start. Expect more of the same from this team throughout the season provided they don’t fall victim to any key injuries.

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Washington is the Team to Beat in Eastern Conference