Is this finally the Caps year?

   This year has been an interesting one in the NHL to say the least but the biggest surprise in my mind has been the fact that the Washington Capitals finally look like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The Capitals have somethings this year that they haven't had ever. The combination of four lines that can score, three solid defensive pairs and one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. That mixed with youth and veteran influence has  Washington looking like the team to do it this year. For the first time since Alex Ovechkin joined the NHL he isn't leading the Capitals in points and it isn't a problem. This team looks hungry and they look like no one will stand in their way. The addition of veteran forward Mike Richards has brought a winning defensive performance to their forward lines. But to me the biggest difference with this Washington teams to others has been their defence, players like Matt Niskanen, Brooks Orpik, John Carlson and Karl Alzner have brought a sense of stability to Washingtons D core that has not been present in a long time. That combined with the fact that Holtby's incredible in net has Washington's defensive side looking incredible. We all know the Caps can score, but this year they look better than ever up front. This is a Washington Capitals team that I believe has some of the best potential in the NHL and has a fantastic shot at the Stanley Cup.

Vlasic is the safe choice

    So we have had a bit of time to take in who was named to team Canada (so far) and the big question remains Vlasic not Subban? And my response to that is simply yes. This is a question that many have asked seeing as Subban is a norris winning defenceman and one of the league premier players but Vlasic truly is the better choice. First off Vlasic shoots left handed which is huge considering how many more good right handed Canadian d men there are (Subban being one of them) the second reason is in the defensive play where Vlasic is easily the better of the two and makes simpler more effective plays. My next point comes in this seasons stats, Vlasic (Who is the better defensively of the two) is also having a great offensive season, not as good as Subban but still good. Overall the reason he was taken for this team over Subban is because of the fact that he is the safe choice and doesn't make risky plays. I think this was a great decision by Hockey Canada and I also believe Subban will be there when the final list of players is announced.