1 bold prediction for each 2018 Stanley Cup playoff team

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 04: The Pittsburgh Penguins watch their 2017 Stanley Cup Championship banner rise to the rafters behind the Stanley Cup prior to a game agains the St. Louis Blues at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 4, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin will have a series-clinching goal

This prediction needs to happen for Washington Capitals fans after all the misery they’ve had over the years and it will happen at some point, whether it’s against the Blue Jackets or someone else.

Alex Ovechkin has always raised his game in the playoffs, and he’s never been the reason why Washington continues to lose in the second round year after year. He was one goal away from having another 50-goal season. Ovechkin already has seven 50-goal seasons in his career, which is an unbelievable accomplishment.

In the playoffs, The Great Eight has scored five or more goals in every year they Capitals have advanced to the postseason except for 2012-13 and 2007-08. Overall, Ovechkin has 46 goals and 90 points in his 97 playoff games. Look for him to clinch a series for Washington and have Capitals fans celebrating in the streets…at least for a round.

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