NHL Season Preview: Washington Capitals

Washington Capitals


Last Season's standings: record- 29-41-12 for 70 points. The Capitals finished dead last in the Northeast Division (5th) and 14th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Richard Zednik F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Brian Pothier D (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Shaone Morrisonn D; Brooks Laich F; Fredric Cassivi G; Donald Brashear F (prev. team: Philadelphia Flyers); Steve Eminger D; Kris Beech F; Boyd Gordon F; Bian Sutherby F; Rico Fata F; Pete Vandermeer F; Ben Clymer F; Matt Bradley F; Matt Pettinger F

Out: Brian Willsie F (new team: LA Kings); Jeff Halpern F (new team: Dallas Stars); Boyd Kane F (new team: Philadelphia Flyers); Graham Mink F (new team: San Jose Sharks); Mathieu Biron D (new team: San Jose Sharks)

Season Outlook: Poor. The Capitals are a very young team that has about 3 players that can score with any consistency (Ovechkin, Zednik and Chris Clark.) The rest of this roster is either made up of journeymen players who score maybe 20 goals/season or rookies and sophomores. This team also has a world class goalie (Olaf Kolzig) who cansteal games when necessary. Nonetheless, no goalie can win alone. The defense is too inexperienced for the Capitals to go anywhere fast.

Season Prediction. The Capitals will finish in 14th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Southeast Division.