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