{"id":30404,"date":"2018-06-09T11:18:08","date_gmt":"2018-06-09T15:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=30404"},"modified":"2018-06-09T11:18:08","modified_gmt":"2018-06-09T15:18:08","slug":"washington-capitals-unsung-heroes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/06\/09\/washington-capitals-unsung-heroes\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington Capitals Unsung Heroes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington\u00a0Capitals<\/a> are Stanley Cup Champions. After a tremendous battle of heart and soul, they finally lift the most coveted prize in hockey. Who would have thought? The team was a different beast altogether this season. but it\u00a0was again highly stacked with talent, Alex Ovechkin<\/a><\/strong> and Evgeny Kuznetsov<\/a> <\/strong>were a dominant force. But it is the unsung heroes who constantly\u00a0battle and perform\u00a0each game who deserve some recognition.<\/p>\n

2018 Stanley Cup: Washington Capitals Unsung Heroes<\/h1>\n

There are too many to mention them all, it is one main reason why the Capitals won the Cup for the first time. The hard work, passion, and diversity of these players made the difference. They were instrumental\u00a0in beating the two-time Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>; the formidable leaders of the Atlantic Division, the\u00a0Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>; and the surprising Western Conference Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>.<\/p>\n

T.J. Oshie<\/a><\/h2>\n

T.J. Oshie<\/a> is by no means a stranger to the limelight but it is not until you look closer does it becomes apparent\u00a0how much the team depends on the 31-year-old.<\/p>\n

Initially, the Washington forward struggled to find his groove after an injury early in the regular season. He only contributed two goals and eight assists over a period of 27 games.<\/p>\n

Thankfully for the Capitals, Oshie went into high gear during the playoffs. Achieving a playoff career high of eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points. But it was not only his offensive production that made him a valuable asset. His positional awareness has also been outstanding. Oshie was everywhere, scoring goals, playmaking, dishing out the big hits (not to mention receiving a bunch). In these playoffs alone, Oshie had 57 hits and 21 blocked shots, not bad at all.<\/p>\n

Oshie’s effort and determination throughout the playoffs has been epic and fully deserves the recognition.<\/p>\n

As a fellow teammate,\u00a0Brooks Orpik<\/a><\/strong> stated in a post-game interview<\/a>. “He does so many good things for us. A lot of things that are noticed, a lot of things that aren\u2019t noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lars Eller<\/h2>\n

Although the 29-year-old centre has a tendency to step up in the playoffs, the Danish forward was sorely needed when injuries threatened to topple the Capitals. First when Oshie was out, then later with Nicklas Backstrom<\/strong>. Like many, this simmering flame had a career best during the regular season with 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points. He ignited in the playoffs with seven goals and eleven assists. With performances at key times it took the pressure off the rest of the club.<\/p>\n

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Lars Eller. Savior in the First Round. Hero in the Stanley Cup Final pic.twitter.com\/jn1If0rxb9<\/a><\/p>\n

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) June 8, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n