Washington Capitals: Top 3 reasons they can surprise in postseason

2 of 4

John Carlson, Washington Capitals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

#3 The long rest can only help a defense that needs to improve

The Caps defense has struggled throughout the season and needs to be fixed fast if they want to make a deep playoff run. The Brenden Dillon acquisition helped them and the defense did get slightly better before the pause.

We all know the awesomeness of John Carlson and how he’s likely to bring home a Norris Trophy. Nothing to worry about up top. It’s just a matter if Michal Kempny can improve and return tot he form he was brought on when the team traded for him a couple seasons ago.

Head coach Todd Reirden had been tinkering with the parings before the season was paused with the goal of making it as strong a unit as possible. Radko Gudas was a healthy scratch in four of the last five games. Before the canceled game against the Detroit Red Wings the parings were Kempny and Carlson, Dillon and Dmitry Orlov, and Jonas Siegenthaler and Nick Jensen.

The defense will be something to keep an eye on in the postseason. Will Kempny return to his play prior to his injury last year? Will we see Martin Fehervary in a game?

Home/Editorials