By Tommy Kane
Published: June 8th, 2018
Volume II: Issue XXXII
Yes, Alex Ovechkin is now a Stanley Cup Champion! The Washington Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights last night, 4-3, to win the series and take home Lord Stanley. The Capitals have been around for 44 years, and have never won the Cup until now. The long wait is finally over. Ovechkin now joins a list that comprises of GOATS like Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane, of players who have won the Stanley Cup. In their first season as a franchise, the Golden Knights played well and surprised us all, but they didn’t have the firepower to take it all. Let’s look at some takeaways from the series.
Braden Holtby Outplays Marc-Andre Fleury:
The Capitals Goaltender, Braden Holtby, had arguably the best postseason he has ever had in his career. He led the Capitals to all 16 wins, as well as only allowed 2.16 goals a game in the playoffs. In the Stanley Cup Finals, it was no different. He outplayed Fleury and it was evident. A point of emphasis that needs to be made is the Game 2 save against Alex Tuch. Tuch had a wide open net that would tie the game late in the third period, but Holtby spread like an eagle and was able to rob Tuch of the would-be pivotal goal. Looking back at that save, it was a huge turning point for the Capitals, as they didn’t lose a game after Game 1. In the Stanley Cup Finals, Goalies are very important; they make saves that can change the outcome of a game, as well as a series. Braden Holtby was definitely a deciding factor in this series!
Alex Ovechkin:
It had been 13 long years for Ovi in the NHL. He finally led his team to victory, and it was clear throughout the series how much emotion was invested. Every goal his teammates scored, he was there celebrating and supporting. The bottom line: Ovechkin really had the biggest impact on this series. To start, he won the Conn Smythe (MVP) trophy and led the postseason in goals, scoring 15 total. Throughout the series, he was emotional in the locker room and on the ice, prompting his teammates to score and eventually win. Brooks Orpik was the only player on the Capitals to ever win a Stanley Cup (with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009), so there was a lot of excitement for the chance to finally win one. Ovi pushed the message across and did what great Captains do: be the emotional, yet calm, x-factor.
Finally, Physicality Haunted the Knights:
It was evident during the series that the Washington Captials were the physical beings on the ice. Whenever push came to shove, it was always a Capitals player who was instigating. They successfully played the ‘tough guy’ role to win the series. They intimidated the Golden Knights to the point of fear, which led to more opportunities and goals for the Caps. There were instances in the series where someone like Tom Wilson would finish a big check, causing the Capitals to gain momentum on the Knights. Some physical checks also led to odd-man rushes and breakaways for the Capitals, where they would cash in on them. While watching the series, it looked like the Knights were being bullied on the ice, and they were clearly the weaker team. The Capitals were also faster than the Knights, which harmed them even more. If the Knights were a bit tougher or stronger, maybe this series would be different. Who knows though, because they really got bullied out there!
Future Outlooks:
The Washington Capitals will be a force to contend with for a long time, probably being the clear, early favorites to win the Cup next season. They will have to deal with a tough Eastern Conference; teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins are not going away anytime soon. They have a lot of stardom and a great Goaltender to back them up. Right now, they are better off than they have ever been before. It was clear this postseason with the style of play they incorporated night-in and night-out!
The Vegas Golden Knights are a bit shaky right now, just coming off a Stanley Cup Final loss in their first ever season. The problem with the Knights is that in the end they were exposed and are still a pile of ‘misfits’. Yes, they are a good team, but do they have the tenacity to be a contender for seasons to come? The Western Conference is not as difficult as the Eastern, but that doesn’t really matter too much. Fleury is getting older, he is now 33 years old. He was a bit rusty in the Cup Finals, but nonetheless he played amazing in the playoffs. The biggest question NHL fans are asking right now is this: Will the Vegas Golden Knights be real contenders for years to come? The answer will come in the next couple of seasons.
I hope everyone enjoyed the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs! Congratulations to the loyal Washington Capitals fans who have been waiting years for this moment! Soak it in baby!
Stats:
The All-American Eagle 