Washington Capitals (21-11-3, 45 pts): The Washington Capitals shocked the league at the end of last season, riding a late surge under interim coach Bruce Boudreau to a rare playoff berth. Washington has continued to impress this season, with offensive superstars Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom leading the way. Unfortunately for the Capitals, the goaltender they rode to the playoffs last year, Cristobal Huet, departed via free agency. 
The replacement goalie Washington picked up to replace Huet was veteran Jose Theodore, who has been anything but impressive in the first half of this season. Theodore has played 18 games this season, winning only 8 starts, and recording a 3.25 GAA and a dismal .883 save percentage. Thankfully, journeyman Brent Johnson has risen to the occasion when called upon, winning 10 of 17 starts. The Capital’s dilemma in net Is made more complicated by the fact that rookie Simeon Varlamov seems to be almost ready to perform at the NHL level, but will probably take another season before maturing enough to carry a full season’s load of games.
All that aside, the Capitals sit comfortably atop the Southeast Division, riding a star-studded offense which has already scored 107 goals. Backstrom (10-24-34) and Semin (14-18-32) have helped ease the load placed on Ovechkin’s shoulders, although it doesn’t appear as though the talented Russian needs any help. Ovie currently ranks 3rd among all scorers with 43 points, behind only Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Mike Green, who led all defensemen in scoring last season, has been hampered by injuries and has played in only 23 games, but has still managed 20 points and is on pace for another productive year.
Washington’s offense is carrying them right now, but as anyone will tell you, when it comes down to the playoffs, goaltending is what makes or breaks a team’s chances. How the Capitals deal with their situation between the pipes may ultimately decide whether or not they can improve on last year’s early round playoff exit.
Current League Rankings
Goals - 7th Goals Against - 25th Powerplay Goals - T-7th Powerplay Percentage - 6th Shorthanded Goals - T-16th Penalty kill percentage - 24th
