Capitals Prove They’re NHL’s Best

Photo {Garyisajoke/Flickr}

The Washington Capitals have forged their way into the elite ranks of the National Hockey League over the past few years, and its games like this past Sunday’s that justify their new presence. The Caps demonstrated why they are currently the best team in the National Hockey League, and the most exciting to watch, when they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime.

The Caps trailed the Blackhawks at the end of two periods by a score of 3-0, with Jonathan Toews netting two of Chicago’s three goals. However, three third-period unanswered tallies by Brooks Laich, Nicklas Backstrom, and Eric Fehr sent the match into overtime where the Caps completed their comeback effort with Nicklas Backstrom scoring the game winner, and his second of the night, just over three minutes into the session.

So why was this game so special? The obvious factor is the Caps erased a three nothing deficit in a span of fifteen minutes to force overtime. Combine this with the fact the Caps were on the road against the third best team in the National Hockey League, and you have a highly unlikely feat.

What really made this an exceptional win though is that the Caps did this without superstar Alexander Ovechkin. Considered by most as the best player on earth, Ovechkin was ejected from the game after a hit from behind on Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell mid way through the first period. Ovechkin has since been suspended for two games as result of the incident.

Photo {Garyisajoke/Flickr}

Thus, playing without their captain and most valuable player, the Caps proved they are capable of beating the NHL’s best. Capitals rising star Nicklas Backstrom acknowledged this message in stating, “We know he (Ovechkin) is a key to our team and he scores a lot of goals. We have shown that we can play, that our other key players can, play, too.”

With this in mind, be assured the entire NHL is aware the Caps are competitors that can never be counted out. Looking to avenge their playoff loss to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals are a team on the up, eager to erupt in playoffs.

Posted by Jay Holladay on Mar 15 2010. Filed under Washington Capitals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.