The boys have been able to get at least one point in each game this season with their lone OT loss against the Defending Cup Champs (Tampa) this past Saturday.
Following that OT loss to Tampa the Caps completed two convincing wins against Colorado and New Jersey this week outscoring their opponents 10-4 which I can’t remember the offense clicking like this this early in recent years, but I’m here for it!
Especially with the impressive play of Evgeny Kuznetsov. If you read my blogs last season I have been big on the play of Kuzy, he either is the best player on the ice or he is non-existent and so far this season his play is noticeably better. Kuzy has 8 points already in just 4 games which he shares the scoring lead with Ovi. I am not sure what he did this offseason or if Ovi was in his ear being like listen Kuzy if you don’t figure your shit out they are going to trade you! Whatever went down so far Kuzy looks like the Kuzy of old (knock on wood), lets hope he keeps this mentality the whole season. Oh and the bird celly is big BACK!
We also got to see a little of Connor McMichael this week. Playing in his 2nd NHL game he had some miscues but overall his line with Osh and Sheary controlled the ice.
Oh and Ovi continued to be RED HOT with an empty-netter at the end of the game.
Another Cap worth mentioning is Anthony Mantha the man who we got in the Vrana trade. Mantha netted his 100th and 101 goal on the week. He is also another guy who you’ve been able to notice when he is on the ice so looking for him to have a breakout season for the Caps this year based on his play so far.
Lets talk about Martin Fehérváry real quick the man has been dominating his 1v1s and this is with him on our top pairing and he has looked like a grizzled Vet so far in this position. My biggest takeaway from his play so far is his speed which the Caps have been extremely lacking on the defensive end the last couple years. I hoping this play has made him realize he can be a threat in the NHL and that continues to increase his confidence and swagger on the ice.
Vitek Vanecek once again played lights out and has a 1.30 goals against average and a .946 save percentage through his 3 starts so far. Sammy will still get time but as of right now its VV’s spot to lose.
The Caps this season after every win the top offensive player gets a Viking battle axe and the top defensive player gets a Viking shield. These types of things are what makes hockey one of the coolest sports in my opinion because every NHL team does something along these lines. On my beer league team we give out a gold tall boy(beer can) to the MVP of that game, yeah its beer league but it still is fun to be recognized by your teammates. So here’s to the Caps giving every team this season a Viking funeral!
Also want to give props to whoever runs the Capitals social media because we might have one of the best account in the NHL maybe sports (not biased)!
So far so good in my overall opinion of how the Caps have looked at the start of the season hope it continues tomorrow vs the Calgary Flames!
The Morning Skate 