# @thescore on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=jHX9yxDu8us
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71139472-thescore-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/931ebcb858.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-02T19:00:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** theScore (@theScoreInc.) — https://gondola.cc/theScoreInc.

## Caption

Could this year's Washington Capitals' be the BEST team Alex Ovechkin's ever played on? In today's episode of Top Shelf, the guys break down the incredible job Washington has done in re-tooling and re-loading ahead of Ovi's 22nd season. With a new-look top-5 forward group, and a team full of skilled vets and young studs, the Capitals have quietly emerged as one of the top contenders in hockey this season despite missing the playoffs last year. 

What key moves lead them to where they are now, and why haven't more teams tried to replicate their re-tool? And could they really win the Stanley Cup this season?

#alexovechkin  #washingtoncapitals  #colehutson #nhlpodcast #nhlanalysis 

Hosted by: Levi Smith  (@LeviSmithh | X)
Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush | X)
Josh Wegman (@JoshWegman_ | X)

00:00 – Intro: The NHL's Best Retool?
01:34 – Building Around Ovechkin & Offseason Additions
02:54 – Scouting & Draft Success: Sourdif, Chychrun & The Protas Brothers
04:12 – Why This is a Retool, Not a Rebuild
10:17 – Are the Penguins Copying the Capitals’ Blueprint?
12:36 – Stanley Cup Ceiling & Season Predictions
15:51 – Final Thoughts & Season Opener Preview


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## Stats

- **Views:** 7,011
- **Likes:** 51
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 7

## Tags

colehutson, washingtoncapitals, nhlanalysis, nhlpodcast, alexovechkin

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