The Washington Capitals haven’t hit their full stride yet this season, but four games into the new campaign, the 2015-16 President’s Trophy winners are already among the league’s best in a bunch of categories.
First, according to John Walton, the Caps (3-0-1) are one of three NHL teams who have yet to lose in regulation.
Only 3 teams in the NHL have not lost a game in regulation through Thursday night: Washington (3-0-1), Vancouver (3-0-0) Montreal (3-0-1).
— John Walton (@JohnWaltonPxP) October 21, 2016
The Capitals, who have earned seven out of a possible eight standings points this season, also sit fourth in the league standings behind Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal.
While the Capitals boast one of the league’s best offenses, it’s their defense which has excelled early this season. The Capitals, who have allowed only two even-strength goals, are tied with Vancouver in allowing the least amount of goals league wide (6). The Caps have given up the third least amount of shots per game (24.5). The Capitals have also not given up a goal in the third period all season long.
On offense, the Caps as a team average the second most shots per game (34.5). Washington has also scored first in every regular season contest so far.
Now here’s where things aren’t as rosy, but it’s obviously too early to worry. The Capitals finished last season with the second best penalty kill (85.2%) and the fifth best power play (21.9%). Currently the Caps’ PK ranks 26th (72.7%) and its PP ranks 20th (14.3%), well off where we’d expect both units to be. However, a good game or two could get the Caps right back among the leaders.
So while the the sample size is small, the Caps are playing some good hockey right now. Sure Washington’s PDO is a bit high (we shouldn’t expect the goaltending to keep stopping over 97 percent of shots at 5v5). But if you believe like I do that the Caps’ special teams units are bound to improve, there should be even more good times ahead.
