Washington Capitals Clinch President’s Trophy
The Washington Capitals have for all season thrived following losses. On Monday, the team clinched the President’s Trophy as the top team in the NHL regular with a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Capitals as they have done so many times before, dominated the final period of play to clinch the top regular season won loss record and clinch home ice advantage for the entire playoffs.
A third period that produced three goals allowed the Capitals to remain as the only team without two straight regulation losses this season.
This is the second time in the history of the franchise the Capitals earned the President’s Trophy. Six players are still playing from the team that won the last President’s Trophy for Washington in 2009-10.
The Capitals lost in the first round of the playoffs that season and that loss coupled with other recent postseason losses, acted to temper the celebration of players in the Washington locker room following the game.
This year’s Washington team is similar to its other strong teams of the recent past but is considered by opponents to be better than any of the previous versions.
Opponents are the first to say that they cannot afford to make any mistakes against Washington as the Capitals take advantage of each one made by its opponents.
Offensively, the Capitals have looked to have pulled back a bit down the stretch, but their outburst of 3 third period goals showed they can turn it back on quickly.
During this season, Washington has scored 92 goals during the third period of play, which leads the entire league.
The victory gave Washington goaltender Braden Holtby his 46th win of the season, which moved him to only two shy of the single season record held by Martin Brodeur.
The Capitals have played very well most of the season, with a lapse here or there, but know the toughest part of the entire season is yet to come – the playoffs.
The President’s Trophy at this point might not mean that much to the players, but when the playoffs come and the Capitals have the home rink advantage in each series they play, then the importance of the trophy will be acknowledged.
The Caps have just 7 regular season games left to play before the postseason. Washington on the season is 54-16-5 with 113 points. The next closest team is the Dallas Stars with 99 points. The Capitals have 9 more wins than any other NHL team.
However, in June that will mean nothing to the Capitals unless they are hoisting up the Stanley Cup as NHL Champions.
