Before the season started, Alex Ovechkin declared that the Capitals were “not going to be suck this year.” 34 games into the season, Ovi is right though there are a lot of underlying statistics that portend future struggles.

Saturday, after the team’s 3-2 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks, the Washington Capitals took sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals have won five straight at home and six of seven overall.

That’s rad af, but the lead may not last for long. The New Jersey Devils have two games in hand while the Columbus Blue Jackets have one. Both teams sit only two points behind the Caps.

But let’s enjoy this while we can. Nearly a month after being one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals have undone a poor first 20 games. The surge up the standings has been cathartic.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Ducks