Washington Capitals: Top 3 reasons they can surprise in postseason

#2 Experience

The past experience will only help members of the current Caps prepare for what lies ahead. They know what it takes to win after hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2018. Despite losing in 2019 the Caps played hard enough in a Game 7 that could’ve gone either way.

Last season Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin led the charge and it’ll be the same guys that need to have an impact this time around. But you won’t believe who led in goals and assists that spring. Backstrom led the Caps with five goals while Ovechkin had four. Ovechkin led the Caps with five assists while Backstrom had three.

One player that needs to step up is Evgeny Kuznetsov. He only scored one goal and had five assists last spring after a 12 goal, 20 assists and 32 point playoff performance in Washington’s run to the Stanley Cup. He’ll be counted on to be an impact player and his experience of success and slumps should help him.

Almost every player on this team has playoff experience under their belt but some will be tasting postseason hockey in a Caps sweater for the first time. Whether it’s your first time or your 10th time, welcome to the big dance.