The many players making the the Washington Capitals good and fun again

The Players Making the Washington Capitals Good and Fun Again

With Thanksgiving behind us, we’re officially in the Christmas season, at least for those who celebrate and for those who can’t escape the endless holiday music. But even though Thanksgiving has passed, the spirit of gratitude remains. As Scrooge says at the end of A Christmas Carol, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” I’ll try to do that, but with Thanksgiving in mind.

As we continue our deep dive into the Capitals’ impressive performance after the first 20 games, it’s worth highlighting some key players who have contributed to the team’s success—and why I’m especially thankful for them.

Alex Ovechkin’s Return in Great Shape

At 39, Ovechkin was leading the league with 15 goals before breaking his fibula. His sudden injury was dramatic, especially after he had just scored five goals in the 24 hours leading up to it. There was a moment of concern—was that the end?

However, even with a serious injury, Ovechkin’s recovery is near the best-case scenario. He’ll return after a four-to-six-week break, and given the timing, I’m optimistic he’ll be back on the shorter end of that range. When he does return, he’ll be a better version of himself—getting more chances, shooting harder, and skating faster than last season. He’ll be just fine.

Dylan Strome Continues to Shine

Washington’s top-line center is again leading the team in points, which comes as no surprise. For the second year in a row, Strome has proven himself as an elite player. It’s hard to believe that Chicago let him go in 2022, but the Capitals have certainly benefited.

I’ve always been a fan of Strome, but I initially questioned how his style would fit with Ovechkin. This season, Strome has not only clicked with Ovechkin but has assisted on 12 of his 15 goals before Ovechkin’s injury. A big part of Strome’s success has been Aliaksei Protas, who has stepped up his game and is playing a key role in maintaining the line’s success.

Rasmus Sandin Raises His Game

Rasmus Sandin may be only 10th on the team in points, but his role is far more impactful. He’s become a core reason the team has been so effective and enjoyable to watch this season.

Sandin has helped the Caps consistently out-chance opponents, continuing his trend of improvement since joining Washington. He’s been the team’s best player when it comes to zone exits (moving the puck out of the defensive zone) and zone entries (getting the puck into the offensive zone). Sandin’s ability to move the puck is one of the main reasons the Caps have been so dangerous on the attack.

Charlie Lindgren’s Resilience

Charlie Lindgren’s own goal earlier this season is easily the funniest moment for the Caps so far. But the true story is his resilience. After that blunder, Lindgren held strong, facing eight more shots in the remaining 12 minutes of the game and saving more than half an expected goal. His ability to shake off that mistake and play well when needed is a testament to his character.

While this hasn’t been Lindgren’s best season, I’m confident he can turn it around.

Connor McMichael Is a True Star

I’ve been saying this for a while now—McMichael is living up to his potential. He’s currently among the league’s leaders in high-danger chances, and only eight players have more than him, including the likes of Connor McDavid.

McMichael’s line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson is Washington’s best, and the future looks incredibly bright for him.

Chris Patrick Deserves GM of the Year

Chris Patrick’s moves as general manager have been nothing short of brilliant, and he should be a serious contender for GM of the Year. The Capitals are on pace for over 100 points this season, a huge improvement from last year’s 91-point campaign. Patrick’s acquisitions—Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, Brandon Duhaime, Matt Roy, and Lars Eller—have all paid off. Even though Jakub Vrana can be frustrating at times, Patrick’s track record has been flawless this season. It’s hard to imagine anyone else doing a better job.

Overall Team Improvement

Head coach Spencer Carbery also deserves credit. With a stronger roster, he’s helped most players have bounce-back seasons, with minimal drop-offs across the board, except for one or two players.

The Caps’ biggest producers have made noticeable improvements, and while the fourth line may have been inconsistent recently, I believe they’re still working through some minor injuries.

There’s much more to the team’s success—Tom Wilson’s offensive contributions, John Carlson’s continued productivity in his 30s, and Pierre-Luc Dubois’ potential for more goals. Even if the fourth line slips a bit, they’re still performing better than last season.

Last week, as the Caps secured a thrilling come-from-behind win, I got a message that perfectly summed up the season:

“This team is fun.”

The Capitals are undeniably exciting to watch. They score a lot of goals, keep games close even when trailing, and execute well in the offensive zone. Given where expectations were in April, the team’s performance in November is nothing short of a revelation.

This year’s Capitals are far better than last year’s team, and that’s a result of the collective effort from the front office, coaching staff, and players. It’s been a joy to watch, and I’m grateful for it.