Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
After a busy off-season that saw the Washington Capitals overhaul their top six forward group and drastically increase their forward core, it appears that the Washington Capitals are most likely done making any major moves. They still might add a depth center, depending on how Nicklas Backstrom recovers from his injury, but with Washington Capitals general manager wanting a salary cap cushion of roughly $1,000,000 going into the season (for call ups), they’re probably done making any major signings.
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We have already looked at the Washington Capitals and their likely top two forward lines, as well as their third line which should probably be sheltered. That leaves the fourth line to be what is commonly referred to as a “checking” line. A checking line is sort of like a shutdown line, except that their primary job is to rough up the opposition and handle heavy defensive zone starts. Since the Washington Capitals shutdown line could be the first line, that second part is especially important.
Washington Capitals Fourth Line Will Be Checking Line
In case you missed my post about the Capitals’ third line, going by who will likely be a part of it, that line should not be facing high quality opponents like a checking line traditionally does. The reason why the Capitals could shelter their third line? Because their fourth line will most likely consist of three players who are used to handling defensive zone starts. Two of the three are used to handling tough minutes. The other one will probably be able to handle them without too much trouble.
The first member of the Washington Capitals fourth line should be none other than Brooks Laich. If you completely ignore his salary, he’s a darn fine bottom six forward. He’s defensively responsible and he is a very important member of the Caps penalty kill. His salary suggests that he shouldn’t be a bottom six forward, but that’s been touched on far too many times. Laich has proven that he’s capable of handling tough minutes. For all of these graphs, the color of the bubble represents relative even strength CorsiFor%. Blue is good, red is bad. The size represents even strength playing time.
CREDIT: Hockey Abstract
Not only that, but he’s been doing it without having good teammates. Some say that Quality of Teammates is more relevant than Quality of Competition, but I think they’re both pretty important when evaluating a player.
Credit: Hockey Abstract
As much as I would like to be done with Laich’s contract, the fact that he’s one of the very few Washington Capitals forwards who has shown any ability to be able to shut down opponents (albeit with a less than desirable possession rate) makes him pretty darn important to this team. If he can show signs of being a two-way player like he did before injuries damaged his career, that’s an added bonus.
The fourth line center should be Jay Beagle. Fresh off a pay day and a career year, Beagle will be expected to take on a high quality of opponents for the first time in his career (though defensive zone starts are certainly not a foreign concept to Beagle). He’ll also have to do it while playing with a low quality of teammates, though that’s something Beagle is used to as well.
Credit: Hockey Abstract
Credit: Hockey Abstract
The third member of the Washington Capitals fourth forward line should probably be Jason Chimera. He’s the only other Caps forward who has any experience in a checking line role. Should the Capitals probably explore adding someone a la Brad Boyes? Definitely. However, Chimera would probably make do at least until the trade deadline.
CREDIT: Hockey Abstract
Credit: Hockey Abstract
It’s kind of embarrassing that the Washington Capitals second highest paid forward line will likely be their fourth line, but it is what it is. These players are not top six forwards, but they can still be useful if they can handle heavy defensive zone starts and hold their own against high quality competition.
Michael Latta, he of zero goals in 2014-2015, could definitely see some time on the fourth line. In a small sample size, he has held his own as a fourth line forward despite heavy defensive zone starts. However, Trotz clearly does not trust him for some reason, so he’ll likely be the 13th forward.
If the Washington Capitals want to upgrade their fourth line, there are still some quality bottom six forwards out there. Boyes would be my preference since he has some offensive upside. Mike Santorelli is the quintessential bottom six forward. Sean Bergenheim is a very solid bottom six forward. I wouldn’t even mind if the Capitals brought back Curtis Glencross solely for a bottom six role.
Next: Heavy Hockey And The Capitals