Perspective

We don't think there is anyone out there reading this who seriously thinks that the Caps have put together a streak of dominating games so far this season. In fact, one could reasonably argue that the only complete game they've played this year was a 5-1 win over Vancouver on October 13th. But, despite...

-- Two goals from Alex Ovechkin in 12 games

-- Goaltending from Jose Theodore that fairly defines the term "hot and cold"

-- No even strength points from Nicklas Backstrom

-- One point from Chris Clark

-- Viktor Kozlov puttering around at 1-2-3

-- Mike Green having the third highest number of giveaways in the league

-- A power play featuring Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green, Alexander Semin, and Sergei Fedorov that ranks 26th -- 26th! -- in the league

-- The fourth highest number of goals allowed in the first period

-- Having allowed eight goals in the first or last minute of a period

-- Having allowed a goal on the first opponent's shot of a game four times

-- The second worst record in the league (tied with Toronto) when scoring first

-- The worst record in the league (tied with Pittsburgh) when leading after two periods

Despite all that, the Caps are still on a pace for 96 points, which last year would have been good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference.

When -- and we do mean "when" -- this team finally gets the engine running smoothly, it's going to be a sight to behold.