If you ignore the fact that there used to be a thing called “ties,” this is a very impressive statistic.

According to the fine people at the Capitals PR, the Caps’ 78 points this season are the second-most in NHL history through the first 53 games of a season. Who do they trail? The 2015-16 Capitals (40-9-4, 84 points) of course!

Here are some more delicious stats from the Caps:

• Washington’s 36 wins this season are tied with the 2013-14 Blues (36-12-5) for the second-most wins through 53 games in a season, trailing the 2015-16 Capitals.
• The Capitals have posted a 21-5-1 record at home this season and have won nine consecutive home games, marking their longest home winning streak since they won 12 straight home games last season (11/21/15-1/17/16). During its home-winning streak, Washington has outscored opponents 45-12 and posted four shutouts. In addition, Washington has earned a point in 11 consecutive home games (10-0-1) and in 14 of its last 15 home games (12-1-1).
• The Capitals have tallied a point in 18 of their last 20 games (16-2-2) and have posted a 23-4-3 record since Dec. 5. In their last 20 games, Washington has outscored opponents 85-40.
• The Capitals have scored four or more goals in 14 of their last 19 games (12/31-2/5) and are 23-0-1 this season in games when they score four or more goals.
• Washington has posted a 12-2-0 against Western Conference opponents this season, including seven consecutive wins.
• The Capitals have scored first in 15 of their last 17 games (1/3-2/5) and are 30-4-4 this season when scoring first.
• Washington is 24-3-3 this season when leading after the first period and has outscored opponents 56-23 in the first period.

Vogs has one more juicy stat that I’ll share.

According to @EliasSports, #Caps run of 8 straight home games with 5+ goals is longest in team history, longest in NHL since '91-92 (PIT).

— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) February 5, 2017

Full Coverage of Caps vs Kings

Headline photo: Patrick McDermott