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New York Islanders Fall Again in Metro Power Rankings

Nov 7, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save against Vancouver Canucks left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save against Vancouver Canucks left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz talks to his team from behind the bench against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at Verizon Center. The Sharks won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz talks to his team from behind the bench against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at Verizon Center. The Sharks won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

19. . 8-3-1. Previous: 2 (-1)nd. Washington Capitals. 3

The Washington Capitals just keep on going. It’s like the regular season isn’t even there. They aren’t steamrolling teams. They don’t have to. But like I’ve said a number of times, the regular season is already decided for the Capitals. It’s all about the playoffs.

They’re getting elite level contributions from their forwards like that was ever going to be a debate. Alex Ovechkin is on pace to score 47 goals this season. A down year for Ovie, but a record pace for just about anyone else in the league.

Vezina winner Brayden Holtby is righting the ship on his game, clipping at 2.19 GAA and .920 SV%. Behind Holtby, the Caps are getting great service from Philip Grubauer with a 1.00 GAA and .953 SV%.

For Washington, it’s less about them being worse than last week and more about other teams being better than them.

And you know what, Barry Trotz and his boys are probably a-ok with that. Let the other teams deal with the spotlight, the weight of expectations, and the crushing disappointment when they don’t reach everyone else’s narratives.

The Caps are just fine with that. Their focus is five months away to April. The regular season is just part of the process to the final goal: the Stanley Cup.

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