Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images

2019 is quickly approaching the hockey world, and the Washington Capitals are inching closer to the halfway point of the regular season.  2018 brought many great memories for the Capitals organization, and 2019 is shaping up to be another great year for the Capitals.  After 35 games played, the Capitals have a 22-10-3 record, good for 47 points.

With 3 games left remaining in 2018, the Capitals will be in front of the home crowd in Washington DC for 2 of them.  The Capitals will face Carolina on Thursday evening in DC, and will make a quick stop in Ottawa on Saturday, and will close 2018 on New Year’s Eve with a home matchup versus Nashville.

WINNABLE GAMES EARLY

The Capitals defeated the Hurricanes on December 14 in Raleigh in a wild 6-5 shootout affair, and shut out the Senators 4-0 in Ottawa on December 22.  While there are no easy games on the schedule, the Capitals have the chance to cap off 2018 at the top of the Metropolitan Division.

OPENING ROAD TRIP

2019 will present the Capitals with a tough opening road trip challenge.  The Capitals will open the new calendar year three games in four nights.  They will be in St. Louis on January 3 and in Dallas on January 4.  They will close out the road trip on January 6 in Detroit.

Currently, the three teams that the Capitals will face on their opening 2019 road trip are not in a playoff position.

Against the Blues, the Capitals have had some good results in recent years.  The Capitals have won 3 straight times in St. Louis, including their last visit in April where the Capitals were 4-2 winners.  The Capitals have struggled in Dallas in the past, but were 4-3 overtime victors during their last trip to Dallas in December 2017.

Against the Red Wings, the Capitals have won the last 3 straight matchups, most recently on December 11, as the Capitals took home a 6-2 victory in Washington DC.

A CHANCE TO RACK UP POINTS

The upcoming matchups in the next 6 outings for the Capitals are favorable, and the Capitals have a great chance to start 2019 on a high note.

The Capitals are racing into the new year with a red-hot Alex Ovechkin.  Ovechkin has recorded 29 goals and 44 points in 35 games.  Right behind him is Nicklas Backstrom, who has recorded 10 goals and 41 points in 35 games.

The Capitals two top offensive stars are having outstanding seasons, and they are not showing any signs of slowing down.  As 2019 approaches, the Capitals are appearing up to the challenge to defend their Stanley Cup reign.  It was a wonderful 2018 for the Capitals.  Capitals fans are hopeful that 2019 will be even better.

By: George Foussekis