Another epic showdown between the Capitals and Penguins was fun to watch. But it also gave us some insight as to where these teams are with the Olympic break looming:
1. Alex Ovechkin is the favorite to win another Hart Trophy » The star forward leads the NHL in points (86) and goals (42) despite missing eight games because of either injury or suspension. Every other legitimate candidate has played at least 57 games. Ovechkin is at 51. He raises his game when needed — three goals and an assist Sunday.
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2. The Penguins’ power play is an issue » You wonder how that is with players such as Sidney Crosby, Sergei Gonchar and Evgeni Malkin. But the numbers don’t lie. Pittsburgh ranks 26th in the NHL on the power play (16.1 percent). And when they had a chance to put the game away with a 5-on-3 on Sunday, the Penguins failed. They were 1-for-6 overall.
3. Jose Theodore may be the Caps’ playoff starter in goal again » If the veteran wants another postseason chance, he just needs to keep playing like this. Yes, he gave up four goals on 35 shots. But his defensemen let him down with two awful turnovers. Theodore made the saves he needed to make to give Washington a chance to win.
4. Pittsburgh’s depth at center is a huge advantage » And that’s crucial in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Wingers are easy to rent at the trade deadline. But how many teams in the NHL can match the Penguins’ centers? We know all about Crosby and Malkin. But third-liner Jordan Staal scored twice Sunday. He has 16 goals.
