Top 3 Capitals Performers So Far This Season

Tuch has averaged 18:52 on ice this season, mostly playing between the first and second lines alongside players such as Dylan Strome, Tom Wilson, and Jordan Kyrou. He has also scored one shorthanded goal and has played on the second power-play unit.

A player who can excel in both five-on-five play and special teams is especially valuable on the Capitals, who are looking to improve their shorthanded conversion rate. Tuch has fit seamlessly into Washington’s system and should remain a key piece of their success all season long.

Ryan Leonard

Winger Ryan Leonard is tied with Tuch in overall points, with two goals and four assists. He has leaned more into a playmaking role this season, assisting both his linemates and defensemen. He has helped on goals by defenders Timothy Liljegren and Justin Holl, as well as linemates Boone Jenner and Kyrou.

He has been versatile, alternating between the left and right wings and switching between the third and fourth lines. Wherever he is needed, he can slot in and be a valuable, offense-creating player. Though he averages just 13:52 per night, he is tied for second on the team in assists (with Ilya Protas) and tied for first in points (with Tuch).

Leonard knows how to make every minute count, and has proven himself worthy of his recently inked eight-year contract extension. If he can match or outpace his goal-scoring from last season (20), he could easily finish as one of the team’s most successful skaters. The 21-year-old showed incredible promise in his rookie season and is already on track for impressive growth this season.

Logan Thompson

It is no secret that for multiple seasons now, the Capitals would not be as successful without goaltender Logan Thompson. Although he was originally slated as Charlie Lindgren’s backup, he proved himself the stronger of the two and has been the primary goaltender for two seasons.

This season is no exception to his superb netminding abilities. In five games, he has secured a 3-2-0 record, making 132 saves and posting a 2.84 goals against average and a .904 save percentage. Those numbers are solid, and he makes extremely difficult saves look easy. He will remain a critical factor in the team’s success as they chase the Stanley Cup this season.

Washington is in the midst of a five-game homestand and should capitalize on that home-ice advantage to secure as many points as possible to finish out October. Tuch, Leonard, Thompson, and the rest of the Capitals roster will be back in action on Oct. 17 in a matinee against the visiting New Jersey Devils.