Forty-one, that's the number of goals Washington Capitals rookie Alex Ovechkin has scored so far this season.  That's one less than league-leader Jaromir Jagr, and the second-highest tally for a rookie since Teemu Selanne put up a record 76 goals as a rookie in the 1992-1993 NHL season.

Scoring 41 goals in your rookie season is a remarkable accomplishment for any player, and considering the Caps have 22 games left to go this season, it's conceivable that Ovechkin will finish with more than 50 goals and close to 100 points (he has a rookie-leading 76 points now).  The 20-year-old Russian has demonstrated great strength, speed and agility with the puck.  He's also shown he not shy about giving or taking a hit.  His physical play and infectious, almost giddy joy in playing the game have quickly endeared him to teammates, DC fans and hockey fans in general.  What's even more remarkable is that Ovechkin's accomplishments have come with less than spectacular support.

Ovechkin's outstanding rookie performance has been one of the few highlights of the season for Washington fans.  There will be no playoffs in DC this year.  But fans can still dream about next season and the "what ifs." 

It's no secret the Caps are in a rebuilding mode.  Right winger Dainius Zubrus has played well and complemented Ovechkin on the top line, but DC has no true first line center.  Brooks Laich has played admirably lately and may develop into a solid second line center, but he lacks the passing and playmaking ability of a top line guy.

The Caps are well under the salary cap and Ovechkin's spectacular play and boundless enthusiasm should make DC a more attractive place to free agents in the off season.  Securing a first line center who can not only distribute the puck but take some of the defensive heat away from Ovechkin should be their first priority.

Imagine what the new Russian Rocket could do next season ...