There has been plenty of holiday cheer for the Washington Capitals in recent weeks.  The Capitals are sitting at the top of the Metropolitan Division and at the top of the NHL standings.  The Capitals are sitting as the best team in the league right now, and are flexing their muscles against the opposition.  With the Capitals sitting nicely in the standings, the club’s Christmas list is likely small.  However, there are a few things the Capitals can hope for this Christmas.

Let’s dive in to some of the things the Capitals can hope for this holiday season:

GOOD HEALTH

With the regular season a couple of months in, the bumps and bruises have taken the toll on the players.  Heading down the stretch, the Capitals should hope for good health and healing.

The NHL regular season is a long 82-game grind, and no player goes a whole season without a bump, bruise, or injury.  The Capitals have had a few players this season end up on the injury shelf, but thankfully, they are rolling healthy heading into the winter season.

GOALS FOR CARL HAGELIN AND NICK JENSEN

The Capitals have been scoring plenty of goals this season.  Unfortunately, the Capitals have just two skaters that have not tallied yet this season.  Hagelin is goalless in 26 games played for the Capitals.  Jensen is goalless in 37 games played for the Capitals.

Both players are blue collar players that fly under the radar at times during games.  Both players are well-respected in the locker room for the things they bring on the ice.  It would be nice to see both players rewarded for their hard work on the ice this holiday season.

AN END TO OVECHKIN’S COLD SPELL

Alex Ovechkin has scored a ton of goals in his NHL career.  He is one of the most prolific goal scorers that has ever stepped foot on NHL ice.  The Capitals Captain has been a little bit cold in December.

In nine games in December, the Great 8 has recorded only 2 goals and 4 points.  Those numbers are certainly not the norm for the Capitals Captain, but his cold spell should not last long entering the new year.

A NORRIS TROPHY FOR JOHN CARLSON

While individual trophies are not usually handed out until June, there is nothing wrong with making wishes.

John Carlson is leading all NHL defenseman with 13 goals and 47 points.  He is 12 points ahead of Dougie Hamilton (CAR) in the points race among defensemen.

If Carlson keeps at his current pace, he will likely be in the running for the NHL’s Norris Trophy as the League’s Most Outstanding Defensemen.  The #Johnny4Norris campaign has already begun, so Capitals fans should keep wishing for this even past the holiday season.

Carlson’s point production per game is incredible to watch, and it will help propel the Capitals to another postseason berth.

By: George Foussekis