Chris Clark’s WashingtonCaps.com page
The Forecaster’s Take (via TSN)
Back Story: Chris Clark was acquired by General Manager George McPhee in what might be one of his best trades. Clark is the grinder on the Caps’ top line and was named team captain for the 2006-2007 campaign. He also set a career-high in goals, assists and points last season, though it is hard not to think that Alex Ovechkin on his opposite wing might have had at least a little to do with those accomplishments.
How’s it look so far? Clark was off the Caps’ number one line to start the season, was returned there one game later, and has flourished, to the tune of 2 goals and 6 assists in the Caps’ six games played. He’s thrown his weight around, as well. A knowledgeable friend of mine has dubbed Clark his MVP for the Caps so far, and it’s hard to argue with that.
In the future? I’ll be surprised if the Ovechkin-Zubrus-Clark line is broken up at this point, as they seem to have settled down a bit in the face of the defensive pressure that Ovechkin is drawing. Clark definitely seems to be taking advantage of the lesser attention, and his start has been as good as could be hoped. Clark could well be headed for another career season, but his true value to the team is his grit, defensive play and physicality. The offense is mostly gravy.
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