$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the Washington Capitals\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the Washington Capitals' Early-Season Action

By Nick Villano

Early Season Capitals Success

Alex Ovechkin Starts Game — The Washington Capitals have been great to start the season. They have not lost since an early-season shutout to the San Jose Sharks. This team is a legit contender for the Cup this season, and we knew that already. The Capitals showed so much more in the early going. It will be hard to beat this team on any given night. Here is what we know so far.

5. They Can Survive Injuries

5. They Can Survive Injuries

5. They Can Survive Injuries

5. They Can Survive Injuries — The Capitals were missing Nicklas Backstrom for half the early season, but still only have one loss.They did lose the one game Ovechkin was out, but that was an overall collapse. Barry Trotz is the right coach to keep them going.

4. Extremely Top Heavy

4. Extremely Top Heavy

4. Extremely Top Heavy

4. Extremely Top Heavy — This fact may seem like it contradicts the last statement, but it doesn't. The Capitals have 10 players on their team who have played multiple games without scoring a goal. Of the 12 players who have scored, only three have one goal. They are very deep at the top, but need help towards the bottom.

3. They Can Outscore Anyone

3. They Can Outscore Anyone

3. They Can Outscore Anyone

3. They Can Outscore Anyone — Scoring is a very big deal with this team. The Washington Capitals lead the league with 4.14 goals per game. They scored at least four goals in all but two games. They are on another level when it comes to scoring goals. It isn't just Ovechkin either. The top two lines can light the lamp multiple times a night.

2. They Made The Right Moves

2. They Made The Right Moves

2. They Made The Right Moves

2. They Made The Right Moves — The Capitals could get some flack for letting Joel Ward go, since he has been killing it with the Sharks. Some worried about how they would replace a guy like Mike Green on the blue line. They don't miss any of their former players. T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams have been perfect fits so far. Evgeny Kuznetsov has been playing out of his mind since signing an extension this offseason. This front office had its best season yet.

1. This Could Be The Team That Makes A Playoff Run

1. This Could Be The Team That Makes A Playoff Run

1. This Could Be The Team That Makes A Playoff Run

1. This Could Be The Team That Makes A Playoff Run — It isn't hard to find that the Capitals have not made it past the second round with Alex Ovechkin. Last year looked like it could be the year, but it wasn't meant to be. This is the year. This team is too good, and the Metropolitan Division does not have a team that could stop them. This team is making it at least to the Eastern Conference final.

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Washington Capitals

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