Washington Capitals: Handing out 2021 player awards

Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals 2021 season has ended and we are still in the looking back portion of the offseason. It’s time to recognize the best of the best and hand out some player awards.

These players excelled when their name was called and rose to the occasion. It is these guys that were awesome to watch all season long.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Best Offensive Player: Alex Ovechkin

Once again Alex Ovechkin defied age and took home our award for best offensive player. He finished with a team leading 24 goals and 18 assists for 42 points. He earned a high grade in our report card series and was easily the offensive MVP.

Dmitry Orlov, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dmitry Orlov, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Best Defensive Player: Dmitry Orlov

Dmitry Orlov also earned a high grade and was our defensive MVP and for good reason. He had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. After a slow start on the COVID-19 protocol list, Orlov came alive and had one of his best seasons possibly earning him a protection spot in the expansion draft. Orlov also had a Corsi For percentage of 52.02 percent.

Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Best Series Performer against Penguins: Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson not only led the Caps with four goals against the Penguins this season but was all over the ice. On Jan. 19 in an overtime loss in Pittsburgh, Wilson had two goals. They came less than three minutes apart. Back at home against the Penguins on April 29 he scored a clutch game tying goal to not only force overtime but put the Caps into the playoffs. He continued to prove that he simply owns the Penguins.