71 – Capitals’ current goal differential, the second-highest mark through 56 games since the 2004-05 lockout (2005-06 Senators, +86) and second-highest in team history (1984-85, 74).
But wait, that’s not right.
The Caps’ actual goal differential so far is 74 – teams are awarded a “goal” when they win a game in the shootout, and the Caps are 1-4 there, hence the “71” number. That’s still the second-highest mark through 56 games since the 2004-05 lockout. Not bad.