Capitals not just winning; they're demolishing the competition

It's the Washington Capitals' turn to ride a magnificent wave in the Metropolitan Division.

The Capitals won their ninth consecutive game Sunday afternoon, crushing the Philadelphia Flyers 5-0 to move back into top spot in the Metro.

While based on length, that doesn't quite measure up to the Columbus Blue Jackets' 16-game ride, or even Philadelphia's 10-game run a few months back, but it may already be as impressive.

Because they're destroying everything in their path.

• The Capitals have outscored the competition 39-11 on their streak, which works out to 4.3 goals for and 1.2 against. This has pushed their per-game output beyond three goals, and dropped them to a league-low 1.91 against.
• In their last six games - each against a postseason team at the time - they have more shutouts (4) than goals allowed (3), none of which came at even strength. In fact, they haven't allowed at evens in nearly 300 minutes.
• Looking beyond the last nine games, the Capitals have taken 34 of a possible 40 points dating back six weeks.

Up next is Pittsburgh on the second of a back-to-back, with starter Braden Holtby on sufficient rest.