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Capitals: Selecting the 2010’s all-decade roster

By Michael Marzzacco

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 07: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals and teammate Nicklas Backstrom #19 celebrate winning the Stanley Cup by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals won the series four games to one. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 07: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals and teammate Nicklas Backstrom #19 celebrate winning the Stanley Cup by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals won the series four games to one. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Forwards

1st line

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie

Alex Ovechkin

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 21: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Capital One Arena on December 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 21: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Capital One Arena on December 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The first choice was way too easy and for good reason. Ever since the Capitals drafted Alex Ovechkin as the top pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, this team would never be the same again. We’ve been spoiled as fans getting to watch the greatest hockey player in the world night after night. With 681 career goals, Ovechkin needs 19 more to catch 700 which could happen later in the season. As for that other record, don’t be surprised to see him catch it or come very close to. Even at 34, he hasn’t slowed down one bit.

Nicklas Backstrom

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 21: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Capital One Arena on December 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 21: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Capital One Arena on December 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

It would be a crime if Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin weren’t on the top line next together on the all-decade team. For the last 13 seasons we’ve seen the two connect for numerous highlight reel plays. Nobody dishes out the puck like Backstrom, from no-look passes and a ice vision like no other. Recently Backstrom recorded his 900th career point and speaking of 900 that’s now the number of games the dynamic duo has played together.

T.J. Oshie

BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 23: T.J. Oshie #77 of the Washington Capitals skates against Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on December 23, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 23: T.J. Oshie #77 of the Washington Capitals skates against Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on December 23, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

This was the trade that helped the Caps win the Stanley Cup a few years later. In the summer of 2015, the Capitals traded Troy Brouwer, Pheonix Copley and a third rounder to the St. Louis Blues for Oshie. Having T.J. Oshie on the top line with Ovechkin and Backstrom is a nightmare for any opposing goaltender. Oshie’s puck handling has been highlight reel worthy especially in shootouts and breakaways and he’s the heart and soul of this year’s team.

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