Alexander Ovechkin & the Washington Capitals Taking Over Washington D.C.

The Washington Capitals are the most exciting thing to happen to Washington D. C. since Barack Obama's inauguration. Home to underachieving teams, the Wizards, Nationals, and Redskins, the Capitals play this season has given D.C. residents something to cheer about. Their 3.88 goals per game average leads the NHL. Watching their offense, led by superstar Alexander Ovechkin, the Capitals seem unstoppable at times. Just ask the Penguins, the latest victims of Ovechkin, and the Capitals. If I were Mike Shanahan, I'd have the Redskins offense at the Capitals home games. I'd bring Daniel Snyder along too, so he can see how a winning team is put together.

The Capitals have assembled their team, in large part through the draft. Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Mike Green, Nick Backstrom, Eric Fehr, and Jeff Schultz, were all drafted by Washington. While all have played well, Alexander Ovechkin has been remarkable. The winger not only scores, he plays defense and isn't afraid to get physical, as evident by the hit he put on Mike Richards of the Flyers.

While the core of the Capitals team consist of the young talented players they drafted, they've also added some good free agents. Last year the Capitals signed free agent, Mike Knuble, and he hasn't disappointed. The winger has 20 goals on the season, with a +20. Washington wasn't bothered by Knuble's age, late 30's, when they signed him, and they were right. Unlike Dan Snyder's off-season acquisitions that never seem to pan out, the Capitals were able to bring over a player who helped the team immediately.

The Capitals offense is so good, they have players on the list in just about every offensive category. Washington has the top 3 players in +/-, (Ovechkin, Backstrom, Schultz), 2 of the top 5 points leaders (Ovechkin, Backstrom), and the leading goal scorer (Ovechkin.) The Capitals are performing at such a high level, even non hockey fans would have to be impressed with their play.

While hockey as a whole still lacks in popularity in the US, the Capitals have seen robust crowds at the Verizon Center. D.C., hungry for a winning franchise, has found one, and are showing their appreciation with great fan support. In a city full of options, the Washington Capitals have become a hot ticket. Maybe we'll even see the first family at a game someday.

Sources:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/stats/?eref=sinav
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/players/1296/
http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htmfetchKey=20102ALLAAAAll&sort=avgGoalsPerGame&viewName=summary