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Capitals tabbed with fourth-best odds to win Eastern Division in 2021

By Matt Weyrich

Caps tabbed with fourth-best odds to win Eastern Division originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

The NHL is pushing forward with a unique format for the 2021 season, dividing teams into four divisions based on their geographic location and pitting them against each other for 56 regular-season games. Each division will send its top four teams to the playoffs to set up a 16-team field for determining the next Stanley Cup champion.

It came as no surprise that the Capitals landed in the Eastern Division, which sets up a tough group against which Washington will compete for a playoff spot. PointsBet sportsbook released its odds for the 2021 season Tuesday, giving the Capitals the fourth-best chance to win the division at 19/4.

The Capitals trail the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins for the right to be considered division favorites. But even after they lost goalie Henrik Lundqvist to a season-ending heart issue, PointsBet still likes the Capitals over the New York Islanders despite the latter knocking them out in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Here’s a full list of the Eastern Division’s playoff odds for the 2021 season.

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NHL Futures Odds: 2021 Eastern Division champion

Boston Bruins: +275 (11/4)

Philadelphia Flyers: +325 (13/4)

Pittsburgh Penguins: +425 (17/4)

Washington Capitals: +475 (19/4)

New York Islanders: +600 (6/1)

New York Rangers: +700 (7/1)

Buffalo Sabres: +1300 (13/1)

New Jersey Devils: +2000 (20/1)

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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