Washington Capitals: Top 3 burning questions heading into the preseason

Ilya Samsonov, Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Ilya Samsonov, Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals hit the ice this weekend with the rookies and prospects clocking in today for Rookie Camp and the rest of the squad reporting Wednesday for physicals before training camp the next day. The first preseason game is nine days away as the Capitals will host the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena.

We already know the questions facing the Caps as they enter the regular season, but if you don’t that’s okay that’s a topic for another day. But what about the preseason? Albeit the games don’t count but for some of these guys, the games are important.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Just how much will the veterans play?

The beauty of the preseason is that you don’t just get a look at the main guys on the team. You get a first look at everyone from the backups to the prospects in the system. With that being said, just how much will the varsity guys play?

We all know the Caps enter the season as the oldest team in the NHL so ice time management will be key for Peter Laviolette in navigating this season. He gets a start with a full preseason slate for the first time in his Capitals coaching tenure.