News Report: Capitals are finding great success with a key forward with an all-time record in….see more

News Report: Capitals are finding great success with a key forward with an all-time record in….see more

The Washington Capitals have found a new source of success this season, and it comes in the form of 27-year-old center Dylan Strome, who is proving to be an instrumental force alongside captain Alex Ovechkin. As the Capitals’ offense continues to thrive, Strome’s playmaking ability is helping Ovechkin remain on track to break Wayne Gretzky’s legendary all-time goal-scoring record.

For nearly two decades, the Capitals’ offensive production was driven by the dynamic partnership between Ovechkin and long-time center Nicklas Bäckström. Unfortunately, Bäckström’s career is winding down due to injuries, leaving a significant gap at the center position for Washington. However, Strome has stepped into this crucial role, filling the void left by Bäckström’s absence and helping maintain Ovechkin’s goal-scoring pace.

Strome, who is in the second year of a five-year deal with Washington, has been a revelation since joining the team. After registering 42 and 40 assists in his first two seasons with the Capitals, Strome has elevated his playmaking even further this year. Through just 14 games, Strome has already racked up 18 assists, ranking him fourth in the NHL.

His ability to set up Ovechkin has been particularly remarkable. In fact, all of Ovechkin’s first 10 goals this season have come off Strome’s assists. This chemistry has reignited the offensive firepower that was once so potent between Ovechkin and Bäckström, and it has the potential to carry the Capitals deep into the postseason.

Ovechkin, who has been chasing Gretzky’s all-time goals record for the past few seasons, is on pace for a 59-goal season, a testament to his ongoing elite play. With Strome providing crucial assists, the Capitals’ offense looks as dangerous as ever, even without the longtime presence of Bäckström in the lineup.

Off the ice, Strome and Bäckström have grown close over the years, bonding over their shared role in helping Ovechkin reach new milestones. While Bäckström’s involvement in Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record has been diminished due to his injuries, Strome has seamlessly taken over the responsibility of being Ovechkin’s primary setup man.

With the Capitals sitting at 10-4-0 and firmly in the playoff hunt, the team’s future looks bright, especially with Strome continuing to find new ways to facilitate Ovechkin’s goal-scoring. While replacing Bäckström’s contributions to the Capitals’ success was always going to be a tall order, Strome has quickly proven that he is more than capable of helping Washington remain a top contender.

As the season progresses, Strome’s chemistry with Ovechkin will be critical not only for their record-breaking aspirations but for the Capitals’ Stanley Cup hopes as well. The duo has already shown they have the tools to succeed, and with Strome in the fold, Washington’s offensive future has never looked brighter.