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World Cup Breakdown: Washington Capitals Edition

By Nick Clark

Sep 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Russia forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after setting up a goal by team mate Vladimir Tarasenko (not pictured) against Team Finland during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Russia forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after setting up a goal by team mate Vladimir Tarasenko (not pictured) against Team Finland during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the World Cup of Hockey past us and the regular season to look forward to, we’ll take a look at some of the Washington Capitals best performances from the World Cup.

   ” Watching Ovechkin lay the body on the young North American team was similar to watching a drunken Sasquatch attack a tribe of boy scouts.” 

Now that the World Cup of Hockey has officially come to an end and Cindy Crosby’s patchy pubic like mustache has hosted another trophy, the NHL season is ready to gear up. Before we dive into what should be a Stanley Cup season for the players in red, let’s reflect on the performances of the Capital players who represented their countries in the World Cup.

  1. Alex Ovechkin

Oh Captain, Oh Captain, the great 8 did not fail to disappoint. Playing with high intensity and the aggressiveness of a black bear on narcotics, Ovechkin notched 3 points (1G, 2A) tying for first for team Russia. It wasn’t just his play, dazzle and hardworking ability that kept Russia competitive, the leadership he portrayed is what Caps fans should be looking most foreword to. Another aspect Ovie brought to the games was his NHL HITZ 2002 style of play. Watching Ovechkin lay the body on the young North America team was similar to watching a drunken Sasquatch attack a tribe of boy scouts. Based on his stellar play, Capital fans should be anticipating another successful season from the veteran Russian, who will more than likely win his 5th straight Rocket trophy as he has little signs of slowing down.

2. Evgeny Kuznetsov

Much like his captain, Kuzy also shared success in the World Cup. Leading the Caps in points last season, it appears this season could repeat itself as he notched 2 goals, one batting out of mid-air. As impressive as his Babe Ruth like swing was, most impressive was the Toucan Shuffle “celly” at the tail end of every goal. Washington fans should be excited for a stat filled season from the rising star but most excited for his post goal celebrations.

3. Dmitry  Orlov

 The third and final capital to wear a Russian sweater for a few days was the newly signed Orlov. Orlov appeared to look like his elusive self while playing against the top NHL players, posting a +/- 3, which is great news for Washington Capitals fans. Orlov also spent some time on the power play and looked very comfortable, which is something that could be a huge asset for leagues elite power play unit. With the hopes of playing top 4 minutes, Orlov has the potential to have a breakout season for the Caps.

4. Nicklas Backstrom

The most underrated player in the tournament and probably the league, Niky rose from the shadows and led team Sweden with 4 points (2G,2A) This is no surprise to us, since we’ve been watching the precision passing center make everyone around him better for years. Per usual, Backstrom saw an abundance of time on the power play, making more magic with his wand than Harry Potter. The ceiling for Backstrom this year is just as high as Kat Williams doing stand up (very high) Look for the dynamic duo of Ovie, Backstrom and Oshie to compete for the top line in the league once again.

5.Matt Niskanen

Well, It’s unfortunately no secret, USA did not have a stellar tournament. The team struggled to score and the defensive holes were as noticeable as Pierre McGuire’s nose. That being said, Matt Niskanen held his own on the pond. He did post a +/- (-3) but this shouldn’t be much of a concern as no American posted a positive +/-. Besides playing his per usual sound defense, Niskanen let the clappers rip as he posted 11 shots and got some quality power play time, which is what the Washington Capitals should be looking for. Expect Niskanen to eat up an abundance of ice time, stabilize the blue line and add to the trigger happy power play this year.

6.John Carlson

Statistically, nothing positive can be said for John Carlson as the top defender posted a goose egg in points and (-3) in +/-. However, fans shouldn’t be concerned. Carlson was able to spend quality minutes on the power play which is where he is most dangerous for the Capitals, as we learned in this year’s playoffs. Carlson has been great for the Caps these past few years and this year won’t be any different, pending he stays healthy. He is with out a doubt the number one guy on the blue line in Washington and has a chance to be considered a Norris trophy candidate if he can stay healthy.

7.T.J. Oshie

Arguably the fan favorite of Team USA due to his shootout heroics in Sochi two years ago. Oshie showed some light in the looming deep pit that was team USA’s offense.  No, he wasn’t given the opportunity to score 4 goals in the shootout, but he was able to show some grit, intensity and some silly dangles in the process. He even took a run at the league’s Ox Shea Webber. Posting 1 of the 5 goals USA mustered, Oshie was able to showcase his two-way ability as a top foreword. Oshie’s first season with the Capitals was nothing short of success. Look for him to build on that with the help of his two elite line mates.

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