The Washington Capitals Have Had A Long Period Of Success Which Could End Soon
The Washington Capitals have been one of the NHL’s best teams over the past decade. Consistent regular-season success, a Stanley Cup championship in 2018, and some of the game’s brightest stars. However, things are not looking rosy in D.C. An aging core combined with injury troubles could spell trouble for Peter Laviolette’s squad. For the third straight season, the Capitals were a first-round exit in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unless some key contributors can turn back the hands of time, they could once again meet that end.
Forwards
Despite the age, there is still elite talent in this group. Alex Ovechkin is arguably the most well-known hockey player in the world, and he still has support. Evgeny Kuznetsov is still a good top-6 center. Tom Wilson remains one of the most polarizing and dangerous players in the league. Anthony Mantha should bounce back after an underwhelming introduction from Detroit. However, enter injuries. Longtime playmaker Nicklas Backstrom is dealing with a hip issue and his return to the lineup is currently unknown. If the Caps are to have success this season, they need Backstrom healthy and at his best. His calming presence and power-play finesse are part of what makes this offense so deadly. Youngster Henrik Lapierre appears to be filling in for the Swede down the middle, making the forward lines something along the lines of:
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Wilson
Mantha – Eller – Sprong
Sheary – Lapierre – Oshie
Hagelin – Dowd – Hathaway
This is still a good group of forwards. The bottom six in particular have a potent combo of speed, skill, and defensive versatility. Shifting Eller down to the third line upon Backstrom’s return will be even more of a benefit. Despite getting up there in age, TJ Oshie is still a great middle-six winger and special teams presence. Lapierre could even prove to be a useful player, as he will undoubtedly make the most of this opportunity.
Defense
Like the forwards, the defensive unit has a mix of star power and solidity. John Carlson continues to be one of the best defensemen and power-play quarterbacks in the league. Dmitri Orlov rounds out a top pair that is still in the upper echelon of the NHL. Justin Schultz can also help on special teams and has playoff experience. Prospect Martin Fehervary is poised to become a regular in the lineup after playing 6 games last season. The defense pairs should resemble the following:
Orlov – Carlson
Kempny – Schultz
Fehervary – Jensen
Despite the poor playoff exits, this is still a very good roster when fully healthy. With the young Fehervary as the only real question mark, the Caps are still very much in the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division. However, they must bring their A-game to make a real impact.
Goaltending
The Caps are returning with the duo of Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek. Samsonov does have an impressive record when he plays, but his save percentage and goals-against are both meh at best. Many fingers in Washington are crossed that he can play more like former longtime tendy Brayden Holtby during his best days.
Season Prediction
The Washington Capitals are definitely still good enough to make the playoffs. However, that is not their issue. After winning the Stanley Cup and losing head coach Barry Trotz to the Islanders, this team has taken a step back. They used to be joked for never making it past the second round, but now they can’t even get out of the first round either. The eyes of the hockey world will be on Ovechkin as he chases Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 career goals. If the Great Eight can still do what he does, then the Caps will always have a chance.
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