It is no coincidence that the Washington Capitals third Southeast Division title coincides with the hiring of Bruce Boudreau. After the timely firing of Glen Hanlon, BB came on board early in the 2007 - 08 season, and the Caps have never looked back. They are the first team in League history to win the SE for three consecutive years (stat courtesy of Capsmedia on Twitter)
With Atlanta's loss in Columbus on Thursday night, the Caps clinch their division with 15 games left on their regular season. They're the fastest of the six top teams to reach that milestone. With 99 points, the boys still sit atop the entire National Hockey League in the race for the President's Trophy. They're 14 points ahead of their nearest competition the reigning Cup champion Pens, in the race for Eastern Conference Champions, and a full 27 points ahead of the 8th place Bruins. It looks like they will not be caught!
After yesterday's practice, Boudreau is quick to point out that the division title does not mean much to the team. "It's a great accomplishment, because only six teams can do it, win their divisions. But our goals are higher, so everybody's not going to have a bottle of champagne. We want champagne if we win the whole thing, so it's not a big deal for us."
Says team Captain, Alexander Ovechkin, "When you a get a title, it's good for your mentality. I think everybody in this room all want to win, so it's good." (paraphrasing of course!).
About Me
- queen of hockey
- I live in Calgary, Alberta CANADA...home of the NHL's Flames and the WHL's Hitmen. I love watching hockey. My favorite player is Alexander Ovechkin, followed closely by Nicklas Bäckström. Then there's my goalies Henrik Lundqvist, and Carey Price. I also like watching the dynamic duo of Toews and Kane. I like watching the Caps, Rangers, Habs, Hawks, and Canucks. But I'll watch anyone play anyone, at any time. I love the game that much. In my limited spare time, I am learning Swedish. I've actually been taking lessons since the NHL lockout in 2004. So, it stands to reason that I pay extra close attention to Swedish players/prospects. Pretty much the only time I'm not thinking hockey is when I'm sleeping, or when I'm at my boxing club.
