A Thankful Thursday

As the Caps take today off for Thanksgiving, there's a lot they can be thankful for during the second month of the 2009-10 NHL season. Firstly, they have the best record in the Eastern Conference after yesterday's 2-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Their 34 points are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins -- and only the New Jersey Devils have crossed the 30-point plateau in the conference.

They have a great owner, a wonderful GM and an amazing coach enjoying unprecidented success.  Bruce Boudreau already has won 100 career games, while GM George McPhee proved that he hasn't lost his touch for finding great players -- Brendan Morrison being the latest example.

And they have some great players too.

Alex Ovechkin, despite his ejection last night, has 17 goals in 19 games, is seemingly healthy and more motivated than ever. Nicklas Backstrom has 19 assists in 25 games, on pace to set yet another career high in that category.

Despite some early season struggles, Mike Green quietly has registered 22 assists, tied for fourth in the league -- while working on improved responsibility in his own end.

Semyon Varlamov, who has lost but one career game in regulation, is 4-0-2 in his last six games with a 1.48 goals against average and .949 save percentage. Under the tuteledge of Arturs Irbe, he's quickly ascending to his rightful spot as the team's top goaltender -- something he set out to do at the season's commencement.

As Americans celebrate Thankgiving today, the international Caps can be thankful for a season that's starting to meet the lofty preseason expectations they set for themselves.