Washington Capitals: Top Five Reasons They Made The Playoffs

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals have officially clinched a playoff birth, completing an impressive turnaround in just one season. They went from a disaster to a playoff team in one season. The Washington Capitals struggled last season, but were able to turn into a playoff team this season for several reasons.

The Washington Capitals didn’t just magically turn from a non-playoff team into a playoff team. There were players, moves, and coaches who have helped along the way. These are just the top five reasons. Before we reveal number five, let’s take a look at some of the honorable mentions.

Reasons The Washington Capitals Made The Playoffs: Honorable Mentions

One of the biggest reasons that the Washington Capitals made the playoffs is what they got from forward Jay Beagle. Beagle has had a surprise season in his contract year. His past two seasons combined (110 games), he had six goals and 11 assists. However, this season, in 62 games, he has a career high 10 goals and 10 assists. 

Another reason that the Washington Capitals made the playoffs this season is their improved penalty kill. While last season they had an 82.0% penalty kill (compared to this season’s 81.3%), last season they relied heavily on their goaltenders to bail them out. This season, it’s been very different. This season, the Capitals have allowed less shot attempts than they did last year on the penalty kill.

Another reason that the Washington Capitals made the playoffs this season was the productiveness of Karl Alzner. Alzner has had a career season scoring points. Alzner has once again appeared in every game this season for the Capitals. He has a career high five goals and has tied a career high with 16 assists. Combined, that’s a career high 21 points.

Another reason that the Washington Capitals made the playoffs was their two deadline acquisitions Curtis Glencross and Tim Gleason. Neither of the two have been outstanding, but they’ve provided the Capitals with nice depth. Glencross is aggressive near the net. That hasn’t paid off as much as one would expect, but if he keeps at it, it will likely lead to success for him in the playoffs. Gleason has provided the Capitals blue line with another heavy, physical body. He has helped stabilize the third pairing and Mike Green is clearly very comfortable working with him.

Next: Reason #5: The Third Line