Washington Capitals Grades: Dmitry Orlov 2021 Report Card
A few days ago we named Dmitry Orlov our defensive MVP of the Washington Capitals so it’s no doubt he will get a high grade. But how much of a high grade do you think he’ll get and has he reached his ceiling yet?
One of the brightest spots of an up and down Caps defense last season was the improved play of Dmitry Orlov. Another bright spot was the leadership of Zdeno Chara as well as the breakout of Nick Jensen.
More from Editorials
- Alex Ovechkin will score 50 goals in 2023-24
- It’s time for Capitals fans to chill out with the Anthony Mantha hate
- The Capitals Have Several Potentially Bad Contracts
- Nic Dowd looks to show reliability
- Dylan Strome’s Contract Could Be A Steal For The Capitals
Orlov finished with eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 51 games. He missed time in the beginning of the season due to COVID-19 protocols but despite that still finished second on the team among defensemen in goals.
Orlov had a plus/minus of +16 averaging 19:49 minutes of ice time with 50 blocked shots and 87 hits. Orlov also led defenseman in Corsi For percentage among blueliners who played in at least 50 games with a CF of 52.02 percent and an Expected Goals For percentage of 51.96 percent.
Orlov was paired mostly in the middle with Justin Schultz. Orlov and Schultz had a Corsi For percentage of 49.14 percent together. Orlov’s Corsi For percentage without Schultz finished at 55.08 percent.
Orlov had 18 points from March 20th till the end of the regular season which was tied with John Carlson. His +16 was the team’s best in terms of plus/minus.
Orlov is the lone Caps player representing his country internationally in the Worlds tournament for Team Russia. He has two assists in three games.
Next. Washington Capitals Grades: Alex Ovechkin earns a high grade. dark
Grade A: Orlov was easily the team’s best and most consistent defenseman all season long. After a slow start and some time on the COVID-19 protocol list, Orlov bounced back in a big way and had a solid two way game on both ends of the ice. The Caps will likely protect him in the upcoming Seattle expansion draft.