Washington Capitals

[Yzerman191 37]

Currently, the Capitals are on a 13-game winning streak. The longest winning streak ever was the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992-1993, with 17 games. So here's the question: are the Capitals real contenders, or will they choke when it comes to the playoffs?

Despite what people say about the defense, I think they've got a real shot. Ovechkin proved his worth in last year's playoff run, and besides AO, they've got some of the best offensive talent in the league. They've got tremendous chemistry on seemingly every line, and play the upbeat, offensively-oriented style of hockey that best suits their roster. In the Western Conference, I'm not sure that style would work, but in the less-defensively-oriented Eastern Conference, I think they have a solid chance to make it through any potential opponent they may face. Also, Varlamov is a good goaltender and performed pretty well last year in the playoffs.

On an unrelated note, next Thursday the Capitals, who have won 13 games in a row, face the Senators, who have won 11 games in a row. If they can both stay undefeated, it will make for a hell of a game!

[Guest zackmorris]

If they are going to have a problem it's going to be in net.

[hankzet40 233]

I love Ovie and that team in general but much like our game seven performance, God damn them for not showing up, for the world would be a much better place if they did.

[titanium2 867]

As far as this guy will take them:

[EuroTwin 240]

Don't worry, Alex knows the key to their success

[StevieY'sguy 1]

First of all, Ovie is a huge ****** bag, second of all Washington is San Jose of the east..they can score as many pretty goals as they want but until they get a solid character guy who has won the cup before they will not sniff a cup

[rage 24]

First of all, Ovie is a huge ****** bag, second of all Washington is San Jose of the east..they can score as many pretty goals as they want but until they get a solid character guy who has won the cup before they will not sniff a cup

They had Fedorov!! What more do you want?

Oh, you want them to have Crosby??

You kids need to grow up.

You're the ****** bag my friend. Sorry.

[skyphoenix 153]

I think they have a serious shot at it. I think they screwed themselves against the Pens last season but I definitely felt they were the stronger team in that series. Getting past New Jersey now that they have Kovalchuck might prove to be a challenge though.

[Guest zackmorris]

I think they have a serious shot at it. I think they screwed themselves against the Pens last season but I definitely felt they were the stronger team in that series. Getting past New Jersey now that they have Kovalchuck might prove to be a challenge though.

They should've won. Same thing happened to them that happened to us-they ran into a league that was desperate to give the Penguins a Cup. Anytime the Pens couldn't get it done on their own, they started to get help.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Oh how I wish the Wings could put together a 10+ winning streak. Hell I'd be happy with a 4-5 game streak.

Caps are looking scary. It's like they can score at will. They're also getting good goaltending from Theodore and from Varlamov before he got injured. Defensively they have problems and I think that might be their downfall when it comes to close playoff games.

Anything is better than the Pens making it to the finals again though. Caps and Devils are the only ones I see as a threat so I hope they don't choke.

[Free_Candy 38]

What I see happening is Caps making it to the finals within the next couple of years but losing, but going back to win one at some point when they're a little older. I suspect they aren't lacking on paper (except maybe on some defense) as much as it is they could use a little more deep playoff experience first. But then again for a while I thought Boston was going to win a Cup and neither Pens nor Wings would make it back, so what the hell do I know.

Just a question -- what is the Wings' win streak record, and how did they do that year?

Edited February 6, 2010 by Free_Candy

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Just a question -- what is the Wings' win streak record, and how did they do that year?

According to this, it's 9, which they've done four times, most recently in 1996 when they had a pretty darn good year.

[Travis 576]

They're looking real scary right now, but I still can't envision them getting over the hump and into the Finals. I think the Eastern Finals is as far as they're going to make it.

[Rufio 29]

According to this, it's 9, which they've done four times, most recently in 1996 when they had a pretty darn good year.

I distinctly remember two 9-game streaks in the 2007/08 season. One was in the postseason though.

[FedorovGurl 2]

Caps are unstoppable lately; I love watching them play. Ovechkin is amazing and it seems his being named Captain has really been nothing but positive.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

I distinctly remember two 9-game streaks in the 2007/08 season. One was in the postseason though.

Well I certainly remember their great postseason streak, not sure if they were counting playoffs on that page or even if it's up to date (no dates past 2004 are on there now that I check it), so maybe.

[henrik40 76]

As said above, they will go as far as their goaltending carries them. Living in South Carolina, I am blessed with Atlanta Thrashers coverage. I watched most of the game last night to see what they had to say about the trade, and there were long stretches where the Thrashers outplayed the Caps. I believe the Caps gave up like 46 shots last night. As long as their goaltending stays hot, I see them taking the Cup or at least getting there.

Also, during the first intermission they talked with a scout who said they are thrilled they got Cormier because he's a great player with a bit of a "nasty side". They did manage to sneak in a slight mention of his suspension, but not length or what it was for. Not that Thrashers fans care anyways.

[Kwame_Kilpatrick 0]

ovechkin is not a ******, also imo he has changed his playing style completely once he was the captain, now he is making brilliant passes and still scoring the classic goals. i am surprised but he is now a great leader

[Firehawk 305]

i hope they get far enough to eliminate the Penguins. That's all I care about. ;0

[Shaman 713]

Id say New Jersey is the team to beat right now. The Caps are #2 on my list, but right now New Jersey just filled the only hole their team had, But the Caps could easily get pick up a veteran backup goalie or good Dman and be right their in the same breath as New Jersey as the teams to beat.

[elriqo28 2]

First of all, Ovie is a huge ****** bag, second of all Washington is San Jose of the east..they can score as many pretty goals as they want but until they get a solid character guy who has won the cup before they will not sniff a cup

oh, you mean like...um, oh Mike Knuble?

[elriqo28 2]

i hope they get far enough to eliminate the Penguins. That's all I care about. ;0

not that I'm counting on the Wings to make the Finals, but I would love to see a best of 3. The only other time 2 teams have met 3 consecutive years was back in Original 6 days. Wings/Canadiens.

[StevieY'sguy 1]

They had Fedorov!! What more do you want?

Oh, you want them to have Crosby??

You kids need to grow up.

You're the ****** bag my friend. Sorry.

Yea they did have Fedorov whats your point? I said a character guy, not a selfish has been who was never a locker room leader at any point in his career. I also have no idea how Crosby got brought into this?

[StevieY'sguy 1]

oh, you mean like...um, oh Mike Knuble?

Oh yea i forgot about him...yea i guess he could fill that role, i mean he did play 3 whole playoff games during the only season he got his name on the Cup, good call!

[Yzerman191 37]

Actually, there were numerous reports about Fedorov's contributions to mentoring the younger players and providing some much-needed advice and experience to the Capitals. Also, I think he's using Crosby because Crosby is also on a young, inexperienced team who managed to make it to the finals and beat the reigning champions in four out of five games.

The Capitals have to do it soon, otherwise the salary cap will destroy their team. They've got way too many young bargains on their team to keep it together too long. Semin, Backstrom, Fleischmann, Laich, and Varlamov are all up for new contracts in the next two years. Thank goodness for the new NHL, right?