It’s no secret that the Washington Capitals have had a standout season as a team. From earning over 100 points, to having a 10-game road win streak, to watching their captain chase history, the Capitals’ season has been truly remarkable. While hockey is, on the whole, a team effort, many of the Capitals have been making impressive individual efforts as well. They have notched historic seasons both personally and league-wide. These hard-working and high-performing players, when combined, have created a team that truly is special.
Alex Ovechkin Becomes Highest Goal-Scorer in History
The hockey world watched as Alex Ovechkin was on the chase to beat Wayne Gretzky as the highest-performing goal scorer in NHL history. He did so on Sunday, April 6th, against the New York Islanders, scoring 895 goals across his career (and counting!). At 39 years old, his offensive ability remains sharp, consistent, and unlike any other player. His record-breaking goal was a classic Ovi goal– a wrister fired from “Ovi’s office” (the left faceoff circle) on a power play.
He was assisted by longtime teammate Tom Wilson and right-hand man Dylan Strome. This goal was made even sweeter by the fact that it happened on the anniversary of the Capitals drafting Ovechkin in 2004 and the record was broken in the exact same number of games played as Wayne Gretzky (1,487). In light of his accomplishment, Ovechkin was named the only Star of the Game and the NHL’s first Star of the Week.
Dylan Strome Reaches First Career 50-Assist Season
The milestones don’t just stop at the team’s captain. Dylan Strome, a regular linemate of Ovechkin, reached his first career 50-point season this year. Strome was drafted third overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2015 and was expected to be a high performer. However, he struggled at the NHL level and was bounced back and forth between the NHL and AHL, and ultimately traded to the Chicago Blackhawks prior to signing with the Capitals in 2022. Before joining the Capitals, Strome only reached 50 points one time, let alone 50 assists. In his first season with the Capitals, Strome cleared the 50-point mark and has ever since. This season, he has 51 assists and is on pace to reach 80 points before the regular season concludes. Strome has found his rightful place alongside Ovechkin this season in the absence of Nicklas Backstrom, assisting on 21 of 42 of Ovi’s goals. With his contract locking him in until 2028, Strome only has room to grow in Washington.
Ryan Leonard Gets First Career Goal
The rookie created quite a buzz when he joined the Capitals in their game against the Boston Bruins. Leonard is expected to be an offensive, physical power forward, and he has lived up to expectations in his first three games. While his first two games did not put him on the scoresheet, Leonard put up big hits against his opponents and used his physicality to play defense. He was able to move the puck efficiently and get some good looks and chances. His first NHL goal came on an empty net–still nothing to scoff about, but it will be exciting to see how he manages to score his first goal in traffic.
Jakob Chychrun Notches First 20-Goal Season
Much like Dylan Strome, Jakob Chychrun is a case of “right team, right time”. The defenseman’s career has been peppered with injuries, which impacted his growth and stifled his potential. His only full NHL season came last year with the Ottawa Senators. However, Chychrun has managed to stay healthy with the Capitals and has found his groove while doing so. He reached his first career 20-goal season (second in the league, behind Cale Makar) and is on track to end with over 50 points for the first time, as well. He is a big, physical, two-way defenseman who has become a highly valuable asset to the Capitals, who signed him to an eight-year contract in March.
First 30-Goal Season for Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson’s goal-scoring ability has exploded this season. The winger’s previous highest goal total was 24, in the 2021-2022 season. This season, he has found the back of the net 32 times, with games remaining still. He has found clear chemistry with the top-six forwards, most regularly playing with Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, who are both powerful playmakers. He has also played with a significant amount of discipline, reducing his penalty minutes from 133 last season to just 88 so far this season. These factors, along with his continued development, growth, and veteran status, have created incredible success for Wilson.
The Capitals are only starting their next golden era as they chase the Stanley Cup once again this season. With veteran stars like Ovechkin and Carlson likely to retire in the next season or two, younger players like Strome, Wilson, and Leonard will be the building blocks to their success as they continue to reach new milestones.
ITR 45: Everything Is Happening – Inside The Rink
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