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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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Mar 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is congratulated by right wing T.J. Oshie (77) after scoring a goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Verizon Center. The Washington Capitals won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is congratulated by right wing T.J. Oshie (77) after scoring a goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Verizon Center. The Washington Capitals won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Depth

In the past, the Capitals relied very heavily on Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Generally, if their dynamic duo didn’t score, they would lose. This year is completely different. Now the Caps boast a lineup with four lines capable of scoring goals. Every one of their forwards except Tom Wilson has at least 10 goals. Each of the Caps’ top three forward lines feature at least one forward with 15 goals.

T.J. Oshie has been the beneficiary of playing alongside Ovechkin and Backstrom. Over 20 percent of his shots have been ending up in the back of the net. To be fair, Oshie has also been hanging out around the crease, gobbling up rebounds. But he’s added a lot to their first line, making it one of the most lethal in the league.

Evgeny Kuznetsov started off the year very slowly. He now has 58 points in 80 games. Kuznetsov has 39 points in 45 games in 2017. He’s getting back to what he was last season. This should be concerning to every playoff team.

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Washington saw an end to their postseason in 2016 thanks to the Penguins’ third forward line. The Caps went out of their way to address it this offseason by trading for Eller and signing Brett Connolly. Now Washington boasts one of the most efficient third lines in the NHL. It’s one capable of hanging in there with even the Penguins.

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