The 5 Reasons the Undefeated Washington Capitals Can Keep on Winning

The man pictured here has struggled. Alex Ovechkin has been very lackluster through seven games, even if he has posted seven points. 

That being said, his team has done anything but flounder. 

The Washington Capitals sent home the only other previously undefeated team, the Detroit Red Wings, by a resounding 7-1 victory on Saturday. 

Through seven games, the Caps are 7-0, outscoring their opponents 30-14. That being said, is it possible for this team to make it to a perfect 10-0 to start this season? And if so, can they break an NHL record by making it 11? 

Definitely. Here's why.

A Relatively Weak Upcoming Schedule

The next five opponents for the Capitals have been exceedingly...plain. They've all started the season with a couple wins and a couple losses and have shown to be nothing too special through the first couple weeks. 

Even if it isn't a cupcake schedule, the fact that the next five aren't powerhouses at this point is going to help the Capitals succeed in the upcoming games.

Here are Washington's next five: 

Washington (7-0) at Edmonton (3-2-2): Oct. 27

Washington (7-0) at Vancouver (4-3-1): Oct. 29

Anaheim (4-3) at Washington (7-0): Nov. 1

Washington (7-0) at Carolina (3-3-2): Nov. 4

Washington (7-0) at New York Islanders (3-3): Nov. 5

The trouble teams will prove to be Vancouver and New York, as both have a tendency to be streaky and dangerous at times. Another trouble spot is the amount of road games, as Washington has only played two away games this season. 

If Washington can prove its muster on the road, expect them to roll through a couple of these teams. 

Nicklas Backstrom Getting His Confidence Back

Nicklas Backstrom was in a funk for most of the season last year. This included a pitiful two-point performance in Washington's entire playoff run last season. 

The start of this season, however, has revived the passing game of this young star. 

Through seven games, he leads the Capitals with 10 points, including eight assists. His vision has been phenomenal, and he has looked down right impressive so far.

Backstrom will be the reason why the Capitals will continue to tear apart defenses this season. 

Now if only his linemate, Alex Ovechkin, can pick up the slack, then this team would really be rolling. 

The CLaW Connection

Finally, there is one line that Boudreau doesn't have to mess with.

Chimera-Laich-Ward (almost immediately nicknamed the CLaW line) is proving to be defensively sound AND offensively capable, the exact combination you dream about for a third line. 

Through seven games, this line has provided six goals and 12 points. They've also been one of the stronger lines defensively, with a plus-10 rating between the three of them.

This third line connection will be one of the key factors in Washington's success.

Perreault and Johansson: Dueling Sophomores

The play of both Mathieu Perreault and Marcus Johansson has been the one X-factor for the Capitals so far. 

Between the two of them, they've looked exceedingly impressive, posting five points each. 

Johansson has the speed and puckhandling ability of a future star, while Perreault's pluck and grit has grinded out an unexpected start from this one time AHL tweener. 

Their skill has helped the Capitals get the jump on their opponent's defenses. The youngsters help even out the skill between all four lines for the Capitals. 

Tomas Vokoun

Tomas Vokoun has been the MVP of Washington ever since his disappointing debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Through the past five games, Vokoun has amassed a .964 save percentage, stopping 163 out of 169 shots he has faced. 

If Vokoun can keep this up, he may very well be a Vezina candidate by season's end.

However, that's jumping too far forward.

For right now, Vokoun has displayed poise, class, skills and most importantly, a veteran resolve to improve after his jittery opening night start. 

There is no reason to doubt Vokoun's ability to lead this team to three, four or possibly five more straight before suffering their first loss.

Conclusion? 10-0 or Early Season Bust?

The Washington Capitals definitely have the ability to tie an NHL record by holding out for 10 consecutive victories this season.

Because of the aforementioned reasons, not only will Washington tie the record, they'll beat it. 

A perfect 12-0 may be in store for this ever-impressive squad.