Washington Capitals Player Preview: Garnet Hathaway looks to continue fourth line success in 2021-22

Garnet Hathaway won’t be playing in the Washington Capitals preseason game tonight against the New Jersey Devils but regardless he is up next on our player preview series. Hathaway enters his third season with the Caps and he is already a fan favorite. He’s one of the few youthful faces on the team and he looks poised to continue the fourth line success.

Hathaway’s first season with the Caps in 2019-20 saw him record nine goals and seven assists for 16 points. He was even better last season in 10 less games with six goals and 12 assists for 18 points with a plus/minus of +7 while averaging 12:19 minutes of ice time. He also had 30 blocked shots while laying out 179 hits.

Hathaway had an individual Corsi For percentage of 48.22 percent last season as well as High Danger Chances For percentage of 53.62 percent via Natural Stat Trick. How good was the fourth line last season? Hathaway along with Nic Dowd and Carl Hagelin had a combined Corsi For percentage of 49.89 percent as well as a High Danger Chances For percentage of 56.67 percent.

Hathaway played in all 56 Capitals games last season, one of just three forwards to dress for each one. Hathaway’s 179 hits led the team and was fifth in the league among forwards. His 30 blocked shots were second among Caps forwards. He drew 17 penalties, also second among Caps forwards. He also was second in penalties drawn per 60 minutes with 1.48.

Hathaway averaged 0.32 assists per game and his 12 assists last season were a career high. Every time Hathaway scored the Caps won. When your team is undefeated when you score that means you’re a good luck charm.

The New York Rangers spent their offseason worrying about Tom Wilson. What they don’t realize is the Caps have a bunch of tough guys. In fact, I sometimes compare the Caps to the Bad Boys Pistons. If Wilson is all ganged up, look for Hathaway to step in there.

Hathaway has formed a bromance with Nic Dowd and the duo has since recorded the podcast Between Two Blue Lines. We can’t wait to listen to them again this season. Hathaway’s High Danger Goals For percentage of 54.84 percent proves the chemistry is there on the ice as well as off it.

The other day at the rink I caught an adorable moment. To the left of me was Nic Dowd’s wife Paige and their son Louie. Dowd skated by and waved to them. Seconds later there was Garnet smiling at Louie like he’s his nephew.

Overall expect a big season from Hathaway and the fourth line. If he can have a 20 point season while continuing to provide grit, I would consider that a success.