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Top Seven Reasons Washington Capitals Fans Should Be Excited For 2015-2016 Season

By Dave Stevenson |
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Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals fans have a lot to be excited about as the 2015 NHL season is about to start.

As exciting as the 2014-2015 NHL season was for the Washington Capitals and their fans, the Washington Capitals have given their fans even more reasons to be excited in 2015. Analysts and fans alike agree that the Capitals could be the Stanley Cup favorites after a productive off-season. 

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Yes, the Washington Capitals have given their fans reasons to be excited before and failed to deliver a Stanley Cup. However, 2015 seems different. The Capitals seem to have a different aura of confidence about them thanks to new additions Justin Williams and T.J. Oshie. Players are legitimately excited to be a part of the team and realize that this team has the potential to be something special. Even though it’s before training camp, the Washington Capitals are already bonding well.

There are a lot of things to be excited about if you’re a Washington Capitals fan. The Caps might have the deepest team that they’ve had since 2009-2010. Unlike that year’s team, this team seems to have a defense that is capable of winning low-scoring affairs. They have found a franchise goaltender who can keep them in pretty much any game.

Here are seven reasons that Caps fans should be excited for the 2015-2016 season, as the Capitals look to win their first Stanley Cup.

Next: #7: The Roomies

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson And Latta

It’s important to remember that hockey, even though it is a job for NHL players, is still a game. Perhaps no one on the Washington Capitals realizes that more than roommates and Road To Winter Classic stars Tom Wilson and Michael Latta. On the ice, Wilson provides hard hits and should see an uptick in his scoring as he looks to have a third line role. Latta provides forward depth and has shown that he’s not afraid to stand up for his teammates.

Off the ice, the two are invaluable because of the pure joy that they bring to the Washington Capitals and their fans. Their twitter exchanges with each other are hilarious. They constantly make fun of each other, which is adorable. Their personalities make them fan favorites.

The NHL season is long and can be exhausting to both players and fans. If Latta and Wilson are even half as hilarious in the locker room as they are on Twitter, I think that brings value. They say laughter is the best medicine if you want to cure stress. If that’s true, Latta and Wilson are just what the doctor ordered.

Both of the forwards might be bottom six forwards, but Washington Capitals fans should be excited about what they bring both to the team both on and off the ice. Both forwards are looking to prove themselves this season, so keep an eye on that.

Next: #6: The Young Guns

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Prospects Are Coming

While the Washington Capitals will have exciting young players like Nate Schmidt, Dmitry Orlov, Wilson, Andre Burakovsky and Evgeny Kuznetsov, it’s important to remember that most of the Caps young players will be playing for the Hershey Bears. The Hershey Bears should have a stacked lineup led by some of the Caps best prospects. Those prospects hope to make an impression on the Washington Capitals this season. 

The two biggest names on the Hershey Bears will be defenseman Madison Bowey and forward Jakub Vrana. Bowey was a second-round pick of the Washington Capitals back in 2013 while Vrana was the first round pick and the top prize of the Caps 2014 NHL Draft. After spending the last five seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL (including the last two as a team captain), he looks to prove himself in the AHL.

Jakub Vrana has already impressed Washington Capitals fans with his impressive shootout moves during development camp. He had an impressive season in Sweden before joining the Hershey Bears. Vrana made a seamless transition to the AHL as he averaged nearly a point per game. He impressed at development camp this season and should form an exciting forward line with Chandler Stephenson and Riley Barber this season in Hershey. He could be on the fast track to the Washington Capitals.

Riley Barber provides a skillful two-way game that should mesh well with Vrana’s skill and speed. Though Barber doesn’t have nearly as high a ceiling as Vrana, Barber could be an important piece to the Washington Capitals in about a year. If needed, he could add some bottom six scoring depth this season.

Australian forward Nathan Walker is also worth keeping an eye on. The Capitals think quite highly of him, even after an ACL injury ended his AHL season prematurely. Defenseman Connor Carrick could add some offense to the Caps blue line though he still needs sheltered minutes. Stanislav Galiev could contribute as well.

Next: #5: Heart Of A (Three-Time) Champion

Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Williams Brings Much Needed Experience To Washington Capitals

Washington Capitals fans should be excited because the Caps have had very few players who dominate possession the way that Justin Williams does. Since the beginning of the 2009-2010 season, Williams has the second best FenClose% relative of any forward with at least 1500 minutes at even-strength. The Washington Capitals closest player to Williams? Center Nicklas Backstrom who is 39th.

Last year, the Capitals had a rather unexciting second line from roughly late November until Evgeny Kuznetsov start dominating in the month of March. Williams immediately makes the second line much deadlier and more exciting. Paired with Kuznetsov and (most likely) Marcus Johansson, the second line could be very dangerous in 2015. Brouwer never drove possession or made his teammates better. Williams has done both of those things for virtually his entire career.

Along with his extremely good possession numbers, Justin Williams gives the Washington Capitals a proven winner. He has won three Stanley Cups in his career (one with Carolina and two with the Kings). More importantly, the Capitals are getting a guy who earns his reputation of “Mr. Game Seven” every time he plays in a game seven. For a franchise who has struggled to win game sevens, Williams could be the difference for the Caps.

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Another thing that Williams brings to the Washington Capitals is a team-first mentality that should help the Caps overcome adversity during the season.

My game seven record is a product of the teams I’ve played on. I’ve played on some great teams, guys are able to get that little goal, or get that little extra that it takes in a game seven because everyone knows how important every single play is. It’s just a product of the great teams I’ve played on, the great guys I’ve played with and that’s why I kind of have that, I guess, mantra hanging over me. But this is a great team as well that I’m coming to. I hope I can help us get to the next level… [the Capitals] battle hard and I like what I’ve seen and I’m just going to try and be me. Come in here and try and be me and hope that’s enough to earn the respect of my teammates and help us get over a little hump.

Next: #4: Mr. Oshie Comes To Washington

Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Oshie Brings Skill To Top Line

On the eve of the first day of free agency, the Washington Capitals made a splash by signing Justin Williams. Less than 12 hours later on a conference call, Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan talked about how he saw Williams being on the second forward line. I found that a bit odd since MacLellan had specifically said that he was looking for a first line forward. MacLellan had a plan because the same day, he got his first line wing when he traded for St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie.

MacLellan had to give up second line right wing Troy Brouwer in order to get Oshie. However, Oshie is much better fit for a top six forward role than Brouwer, who is ideally a checking line wing. Oshie is a better skater and more productive than Brouwer. While Brouwer does have better stats than Oshie in some regards (especially on the power play), that was mostly a product of who he played with.

Oshie’s unique blend of quickness, passing and shooting should make a great fit to play alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Oshie seems ecstatic about the possibility of playing with the elite duo on a regular basis.

“To get out there with them would be amazing … I feel kind of like a kid in the candy store … playing with that caliber of player … I’m willing to come in and earn all the ice time I can get.” – Yahoo Sports

While Oshie is skilled, don’t think for a second that he isn’t tough. The Western Conference is extremely competitive. To survive in the wild west, you’ve got to be tough. Oshie had success out there, so there’s no reason to think that he isn’t tough. If the Caps find themselves in a shootout, Oshie is pretty good at those.

Next: #3: Young Centers

Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Kuznetsov And Burakovsky Are Primed For Breakout Years

The Washington Capitals aren’t the best at developing forwards. While they do have Marcus Johansson, they haven’t developed a great forward since Ovechkin and Backstrom. That could change in 2015 as the Caps have two potentially great young forwards in Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky. Both will be expected to play large roles in 2015, but they are both ready for it.

Kuznetsov had a rough start to the season as he tried to adjust to the NHL. He struggled to play the way that Barry Trotz wanted him to play. Even during his struggles, Kuznetsov showed that he had immense skill. It took him until the second half to get going, but once the month of March began, it was like someone turned Kuznetsov’s switch to “on”. The rest of the NHL realized how great Kuznetsov is in the playoffs. His goal against the Islanders in Game Seven will be remembered by Caps fans forever.

Burakovsky began the 2014 season as the Washington Capitals second line center. He earned that job after an impressive training camp and pre-season. It didn’t take long for him to score his first NHL goal, as he scored it on his first NHL shift. While Burakovsky was one of the Capitals best possession forwards, it took Barry Trotz a while it trust him. In the playoffs, Trotz proved that he trusts Burakovsky. Burakovsky should flourish in 2015 with more consistent playing time.

Next: #2: Blue Line Could Be Even Better

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals Blue Line Could Be Even Better In 2015

The Washington Capitals blue line significantly improved from 2013-2014 to 2014-2015. There were many different factors in that. Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen performed as expected and helped create a much deeper blueline. Despite having to change partners, John Carlson and Karl Alzner found success alongside their new partners. Mike Green saw his best season since 2009-2010. Even with the departure of Green, the Caps are optimistic that their defense could be even better.

Carlson will be expected to take over Green’s first power play role full-time in 2015. If Carlson can improve his passing in 2015, he could be a very dangerous weapon on the power play. His slap shot is better than Green’s and unlike Green, Carlson isn’t afraid to pull the trigger. An increase in his power play time should lead to more points. More points could lead to a Norris Trophy in 2015 for the young defenseman.

Orpik did better than most Caps fans expected him to. He was especially good on the penalty kill. He will be expected to once again play first pairing minutes with Carlson. Alzner had a career season and looked as good as he’s ever looked in his career. Niskanen provided steady defense and should see an increase in points in 2015, considering he had horrible puck luck in 2014 and still managed to score over 30 points.

The wildcard of this motley crew will be the third pairing. Dmitry Orlov hasn’t played in an NHL game since April of 2014 thanks to a wrist injury. However, he could wind up be the Caps X-Factor because of his impressive talent. Nate Schmidt, like Orlov, has impressive possession numbers. However, also like Orlov, he has a small sample size. With more consistent playing time in 2015, he should have success.

Next: #1: Barry Trotz Will Have Toys

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

 Barry Trotz Has Never Had A Forward Group This Talented

When people think of Barry Trotz, they naturally think of defense. That’s how Trotz sustained success in Nashville during his 15-year tenure with the Predators. That was because Nashville didn’t have elite forwards, so Trotz had to rely on his blue line instead. However, Trotz proved last season with the Washington Capitals that he’s more than just a defensive guru. In Trotz’s first year with the Capitals, they finished in the top 10 in goals scored during the regular season.

One of the biggest concerns before the 2014 season was how Trotz would work with Ovechkin and Trotz. Could he utilize their talents and help them become better players? The answer was a clear “yes”, as Ovechkin and Backstrom both had excellent seasons. Ovechkin went from looking lost defensively to being a dynamic two-way player like he was under Boudreau. Under Trotz’s tutelage, Backstrom led the NHL assists.

In 2015, Trotz will have an even deeper forward group thanks to the additions of Oshie and Williams. Combined with Marcus Johansson, Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, and Backstrom, Trotz will be coaching arguably his most talented top two forward lines that he’s ever had. Tom Wilson and Andre Burakovsky should lead a third forward line that could be a scoring line.

Washington Capitals fans should be excited to see what Trotz can do with these forwards.

Next: 5 Reasons Why The Caps Could Win The Cup

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