Eastern Conference Surprises Of The First Half Of The NHL Season

3.  Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and The Washington Capitals

Dec 21, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring is 401 goal during the third period at Verizon Center. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Washington Capitals 5-4 Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Another team that I thought would struggle with the new alignment of the NHL divisions, the Capitals have scored their way to a spot near the top of the Metropolitan Division.

Alex Ovechkin leads the league in goals with 30 already and sits 5th in NHL scoring, while linemate Nicklas Backstrom is a point ahead of him in 4th.  Only the Penguins have scored more in the Eastern Conference, and if Adam Oates could get them to play better defensively and not allow so many goals, they would be treated a little more seriously as a playoff contender.