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Player and team notes about the Washington Capitals from the 2017-18 season:

Piling the Points
Alex Ovechkin led the Capitals with four points (1g, 3a) against the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 15, and recorded his 1,100th career point (592g, 508a). Ovechkin became the 61st player in NHL history to reach the 1,100-point milestone, reaching the feat in his 978th career game. Only 23 players required fewer games to accumulate 1,100 career points, with Jaromir Jagr (825 games, played on Nov. 30, 2001 as a member of the Capitals) the last to hit the mark in less than 1,000 games. Additionally, Ovechkin, who on Jan. 11, 2017, became the lone Capitals player to compile 1,000 career points (880 GP), became the 26th player in NHL history to require fewer than 100 contests to move from 1,000 to 1,100 (98 GP).
Look Who's at 40
Ovechkin recorded a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Mar. 3, which was his 40th of the season. That marked the ninth time in Ovechkin's career he reached the 40-goal mark, and he became the sixth player in NHL history with at least nine 40-goal seasons (Wayne Gretzky: 12; Mario Lemieux: 10; Marcel Dionne: 10; Mike Gartner: 9; Mike Bossy: 9). Ovechkin also became the first player to reach the 40-goal mark this season, the seventh time in his career he became the first player to reach the milestone, setting a new record.
600vi
With a two goal performance against the Winnipeg Jets on March 12, his 119th career multi-goal game, Alex Ovechkin recorded his 599th and 600th career goal. With 600 goals in 990 career games, Ovechkin became the 20th player in NHL history to reach the mark and the fourth player in NHL history to record 600 goals in less than 1,000 games and the first player to reach the mark in under 1,000 games to make his NHL debut after the 1986-87 season. Ovechkin only trailed Wayne Gretzky (718 games), Mario Lemieux (719) and Brett Hull (900) as the fastest to reach the 600-goal plateau.
Mr. 1,000
Alex Ovechkin became the first player in franchise history to play 1,000 career NHL games on April 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ovechkin became the first player selected in the 2004 NHL Draft to play in 1,000 games. Additionally, Ovechkin is the 54th player in NHL history to play his first 1,000 games with a single franchise. Since joining the Capitals in the 2005-06 season, Ovechkin has missed just 29 games, never appearing in fewer than 72 games in a season, and he has never missed more than six consecutive games. Since entering the NHL, only five players have played in more games (Patrick Marleau: 1,017, Dustin Brown: 1,013, Henrik Sedin: 1,011, Eric Staal: 1,011 and Brent Seabrook: 1,004). Additionally, Ovechkin ranks third all-time in goals by the 1,000 game mark (Wayne Gretzky: 749, Brett Hull: 639).
Another Rocket
This season, Ovechkin led the NHL with 49 goals and led the Capitals in even strength goals (32) and points (87), marking the fifth time he has recorded at least 30 even strength goals. Ovechkin won his seventh career Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, which is the most in NHL history. Ovechkin also tied Bobby Hull for the most times a single player has led the NHL in goals in a season. The Capitals were 37-10-3 this season when Ovechkin recorded a point. Ovechkin, 32, became the second player since the 1967-68 expansion era to lead the NHL in goals at the age of 32 or older (Phil Esposito led the NHL twice in goals just before his 33rd and 34th birthday).
No One is Safe
Alex Oveachkin scored against 28 different goaltenders this season. Of those 28 goaltenders, nine of them for the first time in his career (Matt Murray: three goals; Petr Mrazek and Connor Hellebuyck: two goals; Juuse Saros, Alexandar Georgiev, Martin Jones, Scott Wedgewood, Harri Sateri and Anton Forsberg: one goal). Throughout his career, Ovechkin has scored against 128 different goaltenders. Of those 128 goaltenders, he has the most goals against Henrik Lundqvist and Kari Lehtonen, who he has scored 22 goals, respectively.
Pure Dominance
Ovechkin ranks first in franchise history in goals (607), points (1,122), powerplay goals (229), game-winning goals (102), overtime goals (22), shots (4,896) and multi-goal games (120). Additionally, since entering the NHL at the beginning of the 2005-06 season, Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals (607), points (1,122), power-play goals (229), powerplay points (436), game-winning goals (102) and shots (4,896). Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals since 1998-99 and shots since the 1994-95 season despite beginning his NHL career in 2005.
Quick to 200
Braden Holtby made 27 saves against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 10 to win his 200th career win. Holtby became the second-fastest goaltender in NHL history to reach 200 career wins (Ken Dryden: 311). Since the 2005-06 season, Holtby is the fastest goaltender to reach 200 career wins, besting Antti Niemi by 37 games.
Logging the Time
Five minutes into the Capitals' game versus the Winnipeg Jets on Feb. 13, Braden Holtby played in his 20,000th minute for the Capitals, becoming the second goaltender in franchise history to reach that mark (Olaf Kolzig: 41,260 franchise minutes). Since the 2014-15 season, Holtby's 14,836:38 time on ice leads the NHL.
Home Is Where the Holts Is
This season, Braden Holtby went 22-7-2 at Capital One Arena, tied for the fifth-most in the NHL, recording a 2.41 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Over the last four seasons, Holtby's 94 wins at home rank first in the NHL, his 2.07 goals against average ranks first and his .926 save percentage is tied for second among goaltenders with at least 100 home starts.
Grubauer Power
In his final 30 appearances, Philipp Grubauer finished with a 15-7-2, a 1.99 goals against average and a .935 save percentage, which is the lowest goals against average and the highest save percentage among goaltenders with at least 30 appearances during that time frame. Additionally, Grubauer's .941 save percentage at even strength during that time frame ranks first among goaltenders with at least 30 appearances since Oct. 29.
Pretty Familiar
Over the last two seasons, Philipp Grubauer has a 28-16-5 record, a 2.22 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. That's the lowest goals against average of any goaltender in the NHL over the last two seasons and tied for the fifth-highest save percentage among goaltenders with at least 30 starts over the last two seasons.
German Protection
Philipp Grubauer is one of three German goaltenders to ever suit up in the NHL (Olaf Kolzig, Thomas Greiss). Grubauer's career 2.29 goals against average and his .923 save percentage both lead German-born goaltenders.
100
Philipp Grubauer suited up for his 100th NHL game on April 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, stopping 36 of the 37 shots he faced (.973 save percentage), earning a win and securing the Metropolitan Division for the Capitals. Grubauer became the 12th goaltender in franchise history to play in 100 games.
Hey Now, You're an All Star
Alex Ovechkin was selected as the Metropolitan Division captain at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, where he was joined by Braden Holtby and Barry Trotz, who was named as the head coach for the Metropolitan Division as the division leader. That marked Ovechkin's franchiserecord ninth selection to the NHL All-Star Game (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18) and the third-straight for Holtby, which is also a franchise record for goaltenders. Trotz coached his second All-Star Game since joining Washington (2015-16). Additionally, Trotz worked as an assistant coach at the 2007 All-Star Game in Dallas. Ovechkin took part in the NHL's hardest shot contest, winning it with a 101.3 mph shot, becoming the first forward to win the competition since Sergei Fedorov in 2002.
Climbing the List
Barry Trotz passed Lindy Ruff for fifth on the NHL's all-time list in games coached (1,494) on Feb. 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights. On Dec. 30, Trotz earned his 737th career win, passing Ruff for fifth on the NHL's all-time coaching wins list.
Mr. 1,500
Barry Trotz coached his 1,500th career game on Feb. 17 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Trotz's first career game came on Oct. 10, 1998, the first ever game for the Nashville Predators (1-0 loss to the Florida Panthers). Trotz's 1,500 games rank fifth on the all-time list and third among active coaches behind Joel Quenneville (Chicago) and Ken Hitchcock (Dallas).
Franchise Coach
Barry Trotz recorded his 202nd career win with the Capitals on March 28 against the New York Rangers, which passed Bruce Boudreau for the second-most wins by a coach in franchise history.
Finding a Way
Barry Trotz is the only current coach in the NHL that has won three-straight division titles. It also marks the second time in franchise history the Capitals have won three-straight division titles (2007-11, four straight, coached by Bruce Boudreau).
Team Success
Barry Trotz has posted a record of 205-89-34 since joining the Capitals in the 2014-15 season. During that span, the Capitals have recorded the most wins and the most points (444) in the NHL, 26 more points than the Anaheim Ducks, who rank second over that span. Additionally, the Capitals rank first in power play percentage (23.2), second in goals against (805), third in goals for (1,002), and sixth on the penalty kill (82.6).
Early Success
Since the NHL implemented a bye week last season, the Capitals have led the Metropolitan Division following their bye weeks in each of the last two seasons. This year, the Capitals were 28-14-3 and held a five point lead over the second place New Jersey Devils before entering their bye week, which took place from Jan. 13 through Jan. 17. Last season following Washington's bye week, which took place from Feb. 12 through Feb. 16, the Capitals were 39-11-6 and held a five point lead over the second place Pittsburgh Penguins. At the time, Washington led the Metropolitan division in goal differential (+13), had the fewest goals against (127) and ranked second in goals scored (140, New York Islanders: 159). Alex Ovechkin led the NHL and Metropolitan Division with 28 goals, while John Carlson, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom each ranked in the top 10 in assists in the Metropolitan Division (Carlson: 30, tied for sixth; Kuznetsov, Backstrom: 28, tied for 10th).
Seeing Stars
Capitals players were named an NHL star of the week four times this season. Alex Ovechkin was named the NHL's "First Star" for the week ending Oct. 9 and the "Third Star" for the week ending Nov. 27. Nicklas Backstrom was named the NHL's "Third Star" for the week ending Oct. 16. Braden Holtby was the "Third Star" for the week ending Nov. 13. Additionally, Ovechkin was named a star of the game 22 times this season (First Star: 10 times; Second Star: 7 times; Third Star: 5 times).
Strong Finish
The Capitals went 12-3-0 in their final 15 games of the season. That's the third-best record the Capitals have finished in the final 15 games in franchise history (1983-84: 12-1-2; 2012-13: 12-1-2; 2007-08: 12-3-0). During that stretch, which began on March 10, the Capitals recorded the most points (24) in the NHL and outscored their opponents 55 to 39, the most goals for and tied for the ninth-lowest goals against. During that stretch, the Capitals only trailed in games for 141:37 minutes, the least amount of time in the NHL. Nicklas Backstrom was tied for second in the NHL in points (5g, 17a) during that stretch.
Going for 30
Eight different players recorded at least 30 points this season (Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, T.J. Oshie, Lars Eller, Tom Wilson and Dmitry Orlov). Tom Wilson (14g, 21a) reached the 30 point mark for the first time in his career, setting career highs in both goals and assists.
Feeling Twenty, Too
Three Capitals players scored 20 goals this season (Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov).
How the West Was Won
Washington posted a 16-12-2 record against Western Conference opponents this season, marking the fourth-most wins against the Western Conference among Eastern Conference teams in 2017-18. Alex Ovechkin led the Capitals and ranked 12th among Eastern Conference players in points against the Western Conference, recording 29 points (11g, 18a) in 30 games. Evgeny Kuznetsov led the Capitals and ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference in goals against the Western Conference with 14.
Winning in '17
In the 2017 calendar year, the Capitals led the NHL with 122 points (58-23-6) and were one of just three teams to record at least 50 wins (St. Louis: 51, Tampa Bay: 50). The Capitals' 285 goals for ranked first, while their 216 goals against ranked seventh. Additionally, the Capitals' 24.0 power play percentage tied for fourth, while their 80.9 penalty kill percentage ranks 13th. In 2017, Alex Ovechkin scored 40 goals, which led the Capitals and ranked fourth in the NHL (Nikita Kucherov: 51; Brad Marchand: 44; Anders Lee: 44). Additionally, Nicklas Backstrom's 65 assists ranked first on the Capitals and second in the NHL (Connor McDavid: 72). Backstrom's 87 points in 2017 (22g, 65a) ranksed tied for sixth in the NHL. Braden Holtby was the only goaltender in the NHL to reach the 40-win mark in 2017 (49-13-2).
O Canada
The Capitals posted a 11-5-1 record against Canadien teams this season and have posted a 38-10-3 record against teams from Canada since 2015-16.
Perfect Attendance
Three Capitals (John Carlson, Dmitry Orlov, Alex Ovechkin) played in all 82 games this season. Ovechkin (5), Carlson (5) and Orlov (3) have each appeared in every game in a season multiple times. Orlov has played in all 82 games in three-straight seasons, while Ovechkin has played in two-straight seasons.
Attacking the Atlantic
Washington posted an 16-6-2 record against the Atlantic Division this season, marking the most points against the division of any non-Atlantic Division team. Evgeny Kuznetsov led the Capitals with 31 points (8g, 23a) in 23 games against Atlantic Division teams and Braden Holtby was 10-3-1 against the division this season with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Holtby has posted a 51-8-6 record in his last 68 games against Atlantic Division opponents (12/9/14-3/3/18) with seven shutouts, a 1.98 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
SRO
For the ninth consecutive season, the Capitals sold out every home game and set a franchise record with 404 consecutive sellouts at Capital One Arena (including playoffs) dating back to the 2008-09 season (3/5/09-present).
11 Strong
The Capitals had 11 players who have reached double-digit goal totals (Alex Ovechkink: 49; Evgeny Kuznetsov: 27; Nicklas Backstrom: 21; Lars Eller: 18; T.J. Oshie: 18; Brett Connolly: 15; John Carlson: 15; Tom Wilson: 14; Jakub Vrana: 13; Andre Burakovsky: 12; Dmitry Orlov: 10). That's the exact same amount of double-digit goal scorers the Capitals had during the 2016-17 season. In 2016-17, the Capitals' 11 double-digit goal scorers accumulated a total of 220 goals, 84.3 percent of the Capitals' total goals. This season, the Capitals 11 double-digit goal scorers accumulated 212 goals, 82.8 percent of the Capitals' total goals. Of the Capitals' 11 double-digit goal scorers, seven scored more this season than they did last season (Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, Eller, Carlson, Wilson, Vrana and Orlov). Burakovsky and Connolly each tied their 2016-17 goal totals. This season, seven different players established new career highs in goals (Kuznetsov, Eller, Carlson, Wilson, Vrana, Orlov, Chandler Stephenson: six).
'Tis the Season
Since Barry Trotz joined the team in 2014-15, the Capitals have posted a 37-10-8 record in the month of December, ranking first in the NHL in points during that span (82). This season, the Capitals went 10-2-2 in December, tied with the Boston Bruins for the best record in the NHL, with 46 goals for and 32 goals against, ranking fourth and eighth, respectively, in the NHL. In his career, in the month of December, Holtby has posted a 32-9-8 record with five shutouts, a 2.29 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. Nicklas Backstrom has tallied 144 points (49g, 95a) in 136 career games in December, marking his most career points in a month.
All That Power
The Capitals onverted on 22.5 percent of their power play opportunities (55 out of 244), ranking seventh in the NHL. That marks the sixth-consecutive season the Capitals have converted on over 20 percent of their power play opportunities, the first time in franchise history they've gone six-straight seasons with a 20 percent success rate. Over those last six seasons, the Capitals have converted on 339 of their 1434 opportunities (23.6 percent), which ranks first in the NHL. Alex Ovechkin ranks first with 118 power play goals during that stretch. No other player has scored at least 80 power play goals during that stretch. Nicklas Backstrom ranks first with 156 assists on the power play.
Offensive Explosion
The Capitals defeated the New York Islanders 7-3 on March 15. That kicked off a three-game streak where the Capitals scored at least six goals (March 15 through March 18, 19 goals in three games). Washington scored at least six goals in four of six games following the 7-3 win over New York. This season, the Capitals recorded at least five goals in 17 games, going 17-0-0 in those contests. Additionally, Washington was 16-1-1 in games where they scored four goals and 13-3-3 when they scored three goals.
Using Time Wisely
Jay Beagle scored the game-winning goal against the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 12 with 1.3 remaining in the game. That marked the latest go-ahead goal in franchise history (Alex Semin: 11 seconds remaining, 3-2 win vs. Carolina, Nov. 6, 2008) and was Beagle's second game-winning goal in the final minute of regulation over the last two seasons (Nov. 1, 2016 at Winnipeg: 30 seconds). Beagle also scored the quickest goal in a game for the Capitals this season, scoring 14 seconds into the game on Dec. 8 against the New York Rangers.
Sweet Nicky
With two assists against the New York Rangers on March 26, Nicklas Backstrom recorded his 791st point, passing Mike Gartner (789 points) for third in franchise history. Backstrom's 590 assists rank first in franchise history. Backstrom's 799 points rank first among the 2006 NHL Draft class, leading Phil Kessel by 58 points, who ranks second, and his 590 assists are 127 more than Claude Giroux, who ranks second in the 2006 NHL Draft class with 463 assists. Since entering the NHL in the 2007 season, Backstrom's 590 assists rank second (Henrik Sedin: 600) in the NHL.
Nick's Climbing
This season, Nicklas Backstrom passed Bob Carpenter (189), Dave Christian (193), Bengt Gustafsson (196) and Alex Semin (197) on the franchise goals list. Backstrom recorded his 200th career goal on Feb. 6 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to record 200 goals, and his 209 career goals rank fifth in franchise history. Addtionally, Backstrom passed Brooks Laich (742) and Mike Gartner (758) on the franchise games played list. Backstrom played in his 800th career game on March 8 against the Los Angeles Kings, and his 815 career games rank seventh in franchise history.
Make it Three
Nicklas Backstrom recorded an assist against the New Jersey Devils in the final game of the season, his 50th assist of the season. That marked the fifth-straight season that Backstrom has recorded at least 50 assists. He's the only player in the NHL to currently have five-straight 50 assist seasons.
Kuz Control
With 83 points this season (27g, 56a), Evgeny Kuznetsov became the 16th player in franchise history to reach the 80 point mark and the first player other than Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom to reach the mark since Alexander Semin in the 2009-10 season (40g, 44a). Kuznetsov's 27 goals this season were a new season high, while his 56 assists were one off his single season mark set in the 2015-16 season. With 265 career points (80g, 185a), Kuznetsov ranks eighth in points among the 2010 draft class and sixth in assists. Additionally, Kuznetsov's career 1.98 assists per 60 minutes of five-on-five play ranks first among 2010 draftees.
Multi-Efforts
This season, Alex Ovechkin led the team with 24 multi-point games, while Evgeny Kuznetsov finished with 23, tied for 12th and 14th, respectively in the NHL. The Capitals were one of just three teams who had multiple players rank in the top 14 in multi-point games (Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers). From March 12 to March 28, Kuznetsov recorded sixth-straight multi-point games (5g, 8a). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Kuznetsov was the only player with a six-game multi-point streak this season and was the first to complete six-straight games with at least two points since Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (March 14-23, 2017: 3g, 10a). Additionally, Kuznetsov tied the franchise record in most consecutive games with at least two points with Dennis Maruk (1981-82), Mike Gartner (1984-85) and Mike Green (2008-09).
Osh-Babe
T.J. Oshie recorded a point in every game in his final six games and recorded six goals since March 15. Since Oshie joined the Capitals in the 2015-16 season, his 77 cumulative goals rank second on the team. Since joining Washington, Oshie's 16.9 shooting percentage fifth among players with at least 200 games played in the NHL.
Big Willy
Tom Wilson recorded 14 goals this season, doubling his previous season high of seven set in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 season and his 35 points (14g, 21a) were a career high. Of Wilson's 35 points, 33 came at even strength, while one came on the power play and another shorthanded. Wilson is the only player over the last eight seasons to record 35 points and 185 penalty minutes. Wilson's 187 penalty minutes ranked second in the NHL this season, and his 804 total penalty minutes since his 2013-14 rookie season lead the NHL. Wilson drew 367minor penalties this season, the third-most in the NHL. Since the 2013-14 season, Wilson has drawn 178 minor penalties, the second-most in the NHL during that span (Nazem Kadri: 201), and his 2.26 drawn penalties per 60 minutes of play ranks first among all skaters with at least 150 games played since the 2013-14 season.
Super Carly
John Carlson recorded 15 goals and 53 assists, all single-season highs, and his 68 points led NHL defensemen. Carlson became the eighth defensemen in franchise history to record 60 points in a season and the first since Mike Green in 2009-10 (76 points, 19g, 57a). Carlson's 68 points this season are the seventh-highest single season total by a Capital in franchise history. Carlson became the third Capitals defenseman to lead the NHL in points since the year 2000 (Sergei Gonchar: 2001-02, 59 points; Mike Green: 2008-09, 2009-10: 73 and 76 points, respectively). He also passed Sylvain Cote (270) for seventh on the franchise points list for defensemen and passed Cote in goals (75) and Mike Green in assist (247) on March 20 against the Dallas Stars for seventh and sixth, respectively, on each list. Carlson is one of 28 active defensemen with at least 300 career points (77g, 256a).
Dynamic D-uo
This season, Dmitry Orlov recorded 10 goals on the year, which is a new career high. Over the last three seasons, Orlov's 93 points (24g, 69a) rank first among Russian-born defensemen. The Capitals had two defensemen with at least 10 goals (John Carlson: 15) this season, marking the first time they have had two defensemen with 10 goals since 2014-15 (Mike Green, Carlson: 10 goals) and just the second time since the 1997-98 season.
Laying it on the Line
This season, Brooks Orpik ranks ninth in the NHL in hits (218) and tied for 12th in blocked shots (168) among defensemen. Since Orpik entered the NHL in the 2002-03 season, he ranks first in hits (2,817) and fourth in blocked shots (1,714) among NHL defensemen.
Good Djoos
In his NHL and Capitals debut, Christian Djoos scored a goal and added an assist in 13:20 of ice time against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 11. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Djoos became the first Capitals defenseman to score a goal in his NHL debut since Steve Poapst scored in his first game on April 10, 1996 against the New York Rangers. Djoos also became the first defenseman in franchise history to record two points in his debut game. Djoos factored in to every Capitals goal in that came, the first rookie defenseman to factor into every goal in a two-goal game since John Carlson did so on Feb. 17, 2011 in a two-assist effort against the San Jose Sharks. Djoos finished the season with 14 points (3g, 11a).
Solid Additions
This season, the Capitals were 15-7-0 with Michal Kempny in the lineup and 9-2-0 with Jakub Jerabek in the lineup. Since Kempny made his Capitals debut on Feb. 22, Washington allowed the second-fewest goals (59) in the Eastern Conference
Quick Draw
Jay Beagle's 17 face-off wins against the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 27 was the most face-off wins by a Capital this season, while his 92.9 success rate (13 out of 14) against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 3 was the greatest success rate of any player in the NHL in a single game this season. This season, Beagle ranked fourth in the NHL in face-off percentage among players with at least 700 face-offs (584 wins on 998 draws, 58.52 percent), second among players with at least 300 defensive zone draws (358 wins on 604 face-offs, 59.27 percent) and first among players with at least 200 shorthanded face-offs (109 wins on 205 draws, 53.17 percent). Since the 2014-15 season, Beagle is ranks fifth among NHL players with at least 1,000 draws in faceoff percentage (1,795 wins on 3,126 draws, 57.42 percent).
Young V
Jakub Vrana finished with 27 points (13g, 14a) in his rookie season, and his 13 goals tied for 17th in the NHL among rookies this season. Twelve of Vrana's goals this season came at even strength, tied for the 15th most among rookies. Additionally, his 50.28 shot attempts percentage at five-on-five (821 shot attempts for, 812 against) ranked 13th among rookie forwards with at least 50 games played this season. Including three goals during the 2016-17 season, Vrana had 16 goals in 94 games as a rookie. That tied Michael Marson (1974-75) for the 14th-most by a rookie in franchise history and is the most by a Capitals rookie since Alex Ovechkin, who recorded 52 goals in his 2005-06 rookie season, which was the fourth most goals by a rookie in NHL history.
Andre The Giant
Andre Burakovsky finished with 25 points (12g, 13a) this season. Burakovsky has recorded 120 points (50g, 70a) to rank 11th among forwards in his 2013 draft class, while his 2.15 points per 60 minutes of five-on-five play rank sixth among forwards with at least 200 games played. Additionally, Burakovsky's career 53.28 shot attempts percentage (3,004 shot attempts for, 2,634 against) at five-on-five ranks first among all skaters selected in his NHL Draft with at least 100 games played. Burakovsky's career shot attempts percentage is the highest cumulative shot attempt percentage of any Capitals player over the last four seasons.
Great Dane
Lars Eller scored a goal against the New York Rangers on March 28, which was his 18th goal of the season and a new single-season high. Lars Eller's 63 points over the last two seasons (30g, 33a) rank fifth among Capitals forwards.
Consistent Conno
Brett Connolly recorded 15 goals this season, tying his single season career high and marking his second-straight season with 15 goals. Of the 168 NHL players that have recorded 30 total goals over the last two seasons, Connolly has the lowest average time on ice (11:21).
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
Australian-national Nathan Walker became the first Australian to play in the NHL when he took the ice against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 7, and he scored a goal in his debut. The Sydney, Australia, native became the first Australian drafted to the NHL after Washington selected him in the third round, 89th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Youth Invasion
The Capitals had nine different rookies play this season (Jakub Vrana, Chandler Stephenson, Christian Djoos, Madison Bowey, Jakub Jerabek, Nathan Walker, Shane Gersich, Travis Boyd and Liam O'Brien), the most rookies they've had play in at least one game since 2013-14. Vrana, Stephenson, Djoos and Bowey each played in over 50 games, marking the first time since the 1981-82 season the Capitals have had four rookies participate in at least 50 games. Six players recorded their first career point this season. Djoos and Bowey became the first pair of rookie Capitals defensemen to appear in at least 50 regular season games since the 1980-81 season (Howard Walker: 64; Darren Veitch: 59; James McTaggart: 52). Additionally, Bowey and Djoos became the first Capitals rookie defensemen to record at least 10 points in a season since Dmitry Orlov recorded 19 points (3g, 16a) in 60 games in 2011.