Athletes protect the past. Those of us in the instant-reaction business too willingly spray “best” and “greatest” language onto events happening in front of us. Retired players serve as our foils, reminding us of previous teams that were better, and greater.
So before labeling this Caps team the best of the Alex Ovechkin era, let’s check in with some leaders of the 2009-10 outfit, which won Washington’s only Presidents’ Trophy while obliterating the franchise mark for points.
“Honestly, I think this team’s better,” said Matt Bradley, one of the stickiest glue guys from the 2010 team.
“This team looks even better,” agreed Mike Knuble, that team’s veteran soul.