Washington Capitals: Top 3 ways to finally enjoy a championship season

#2 The defense has to tighten up, no excuses

All eyes will be on the Capitals defense next season, a unit that looks to improve after a dismal two seasons under Todd Reirden’s failed system. The team re-signed Brenden Dillon who will likely pair up top with Norris Trophy runner up John Carlson, who honestly should’ve won that award.

Then the Caps signed like a million other defensemen. We aren’t exaggerating. It’s a crowded blue line and who knows whether or not another move will be made.

The second pair features Dmitry Orlov and newcomer Justin Schultz from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Caps re-signed Jonas Siegenthaler the other day and now here is where things get tricky.

The Caps also signed Trevor van Riemsdyk, a right handed defenseman while Nick Jensen is still under contract. It’ll be likely these two rotate unless the Caps decide to part ways with Jensen via a trade.

Another reason the defense has to step up is so the goaltenders can make the plays they need to make. The Caps have a young stud in Ilya Samsonov and a veteran who’s hungry for a Stanley Cup in Henrik Lundqvist.

It is those two things and one more to enjoy a championship season.