The Washington Capitals did it. Needing a win [or overtime loss] to win the Southeast Division in the final game of the NHL season, the Caps smashed the visiting Florida Panthers 3-1 at the Phone Booth. It was Washington’s 7th straight win, the longest streak for the franchise in 15 years. The Capitals became the first team in NHL history to win a division after being in 14th or 15th place in the conference at the halfway mark of the season.
The Caps finished last in the Southeast Division the last two seasons and were languishing in last place again after Christmas, but they steadily fought their way out of the cellar thanks to great coaching from Bruce Boudreau — who took over on Thanksgiving Day — and a historic and MVP-caliber season from left-winger Alex Ovechkin.
Tomas Fleischmann, Sergei Fedorov and Alexander Semin scored for the Capitals and as the final seconds ticked away, the crowd chanted “M-V-P” to honor superstar Ovechkin. When the game ended, Ovechkin jumped into the arms of goaltender Cristobal Huet, who had another fine game tonight. Huet won his 9th straight start thanks to 25 saves and was serenaded by chants of “Hip, hip, Hu-et!”
This is Washington’s first playoff appearance since 2003. Let’s see how the playoffs handle the NHL’s hottest team and the NHL’s best player.
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