Ovechkin and Co. have convinced more than just the bookies.
The Washington Capitals were voted as the overwhelming Eastern Conference favorites and also the team most likely to win the Stanley Cup in a recent head coaches' survey conducted by TSN's Bob McKenzie.
Twenty-five of the 27 coaches who participated chose Washington to win the East, while the Chicago Blackhawks - with 15 votes - are perceived as most likely to once again represent the West.
| Projected Cup Winner | No. of votes |
|---|---|
| Capitals | 16 |
| Blackhawks | 9 |
| Kings | 1 |
| Lightning | 1 |
The coaches were also polled on individual performances, deciding (nearly unanimously) on Patrick Kane as the NHL's best player, Braden Holtby as the premier goaltender, and Barry Trotz as the top coach.
Drew Doughty and Artemi Panarin claimed close races for top defenseman and rookie, edging Erik Karlsson and Dylan Larkin, respectively.
