‘Yotes Notes: Caps’ Cup quest eerily reminiscent of Colangelo-era Suns

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Washington Capitals are a lot like the Jerry Colangelo-era Phoenix Suns. They are often bridesmaids but they never get the ring and they rarely even earn maid-of-honor status.

In 43 season of existence, the Caps have won nine division titles (with a 10th likely on the way), they have finished with the league’s best overall record twice in the past eight years (with a third likely on the way this year) and they have qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs 26 times.

Washington has never won the Stanley Cup and the Caps have only advanced to the Cup Final once — in 1998 when the Detroit Red Wings swept them, four games to none.

If you count the ensuing years in which Colangelo’s stamp was still all over the Suns after the sale of the team to Robert Sarver in 2004, the Suns won six division titles and finished with the NBA’s best overall record twice, yet they advanced to the NBA Finals just twice (1976, 1993) and have never won a title.

Bad draws, an inability to elevate their game and perhaps some bad luck have all played roles in the Caps’ inability to win the Cup, but Washington is at it again this season. Entering Friday’s game against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena, the Capitals own the best record in hockey and respective five-point leads over Columbus in the Metropolitan Division and Chicago in the overall standings with 10 days left in the regular season.

The Caps made the biggest move at the NHL’s trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk from St Louis. They own the league’s best goal differential (plus-78), they have allowed the fewest goals (170), they are tied for second in power-play percentage (23.3), they have the league’s sixth-best penalty-killing unit (84.7 percent), but do they have they the goods to finally get over the hump?

Washington’s quest will be one of the best storylines when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin on April 12.

DOMINGUE BOUNCING BACK

Back in February when he was struggling, Coyotes backup Louis Domingue admitted that if his play didn’t improve soon he might be out of the league. Give Domingue credit for more than talk.

In his last six games, Domingue has stopped 194 of 205 shots for a .946 save percentage. It’s alarming that the Coyotes have allowed an average of 38.8 shots in Domingue’s five starts over that stretch, but he has delivered.

“I’m feeling confident,” said Domingue after stopping 40 of 42 shots Wednesday against St. Louis. “The only way to feel confident is by working hard and knowing what you’re going to do just because you have done it consistently over and over.”

Coach Dave Tippett believes Domingue has learned how to manage his role.

“He had to recognize what his role is, to play every five, six, seven games in tough situations, usually back-to-backs and he’s got to play well,” Tippett said. “If he doesn’t play well in those situations we’ll find somebody who can play well in those situations. I think it was a recognition on his part that he has to do a better job and he has done a better job.”

DECISION TIME LOOMING FOR RICHARDSON

There are just 10 days left in the regular season. The Coyotes still are not ruling out a potential return by center Brad Richardson (broken right tibia and fibula), who has been sidelined since Nov. 17, but that decision will come in the next few days.

“It’s been up and down a little bit,” Tippett said. “There are some days where he has felt pretty good and you could think there’s some light at the end of the tunnel and then there’s some days where he takes a step back. I wish I could say one way or another but it’s just something where he has to feel comfortable enough that he knows he can get out there and do the job and players have that feeling.”

Here’s what Tippett said when asked the value of bringing Richardson for such a short stretch of games with nothing on the line in the standings.

“You could make an argument both ways,” Tippett said. “Just to get him in a couple games where he feels like he goes into the summer and he’s played and then there’s value in saying, ‘you know what, let’s not risk it this ear. Let’s go through a whole summer of training and come back fresh.’ Ultimately, he’s the guy that has to make that decision.”

LOOSE PUCKS

— Captain Shane Doan will likely return to the lineup after a seven-game absence due to a lower-body injury. Tippett just wanted to see Doan get through a full practice on Thursday before deciding but Doan looked fine. The 21-year veteran could be playing his final season.

— With some players getting healthy, Tippett could sit newcomer Clayton Keller out a game or two to give him a chance to watch the team and learn from that perspective.

— Jamie McGinn rejoined the team after leaving it for a death in the family. He skated Thursday but is unlikely to play against the Caps.

Capitals at Coyotes

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Gila River Arena, Glendale

TV: FOX Sports Arizona

Radio: ESPN 620 AM

Records: Capitals — 51-17-8. Coyotes — 27-41-9.

Season series: Caps lead, 1-0

Injury report: Coyotes — D Kevin Connauton (upper body) is day to day but close to returning. C Brad Richardson (broken right tibia and fibula) is on injured reserve. Caps — None.

Scouting the Caps: C Nicklas Backstrom is having an MVP-caliber season with a team-high 60 assists and 82 points, which rank second and tied for third respectively in the NHL. … F Alex Ovechkin leads the team with 33 goals. … G Braden Holtby is second in goals against average (204) and third in save percentage (.926).

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