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NHL Playoffs 2017: 5 reasons Capitals can win Stanley Cup

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Special Teams

Being extremely good at even strength is essential to any Stanley Cup champion. The Capitals certainly have this going for them. However, they also boast one of the NHL’s most efficient penalty kills and one of its most deadly power plays. Since the start of 2017, the Caps have scored on 29.6 percent of their man advantages, the best rate in the league. During the same span, they have the 10th most efficient penalty kill (81.6 percent).

After a slow start, their power play has woken up. A large part of this has been the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk. Since adding him, their power play has become far more consistent, scoring at a 28.6 percent rate. He gives the Capitals a third deadly member. It still runs through Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin, but Shattenkirk gives teams another option to think about.

Jay Beagle, Daniel Winnik, and Tom Wilson are the Caps fourth line. They also form the core of Washington’s power play. Encouraged to be more aggressive after last season, it’s not uncommon to see the Caps’ PK getting better scoring chances than the opposing power play. Lars Eller has also been a stellar addition to the unit. Washington has two excellent units in their back pocket should the situation require them.

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