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3 changes that must happen for the Capitals in 2022

By Nicholas Klos

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Capitals are off to a solid start of the 2021-22 regular season. Currently tied for first in the Metro division with 41 points, Alex Ovechkin is tied for second in the NHL in points and second in goals, and Nicklas Backstrom is finally back with his best friend and the Caps. So, those who rock the red have a lot to be thankful for this season. But, there are still changes that Washington needs to make in the new year before playoff hockey.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

  1. Improvements on the Power Play:

For years the Caps have been known for their ability on the power play. Nicklas Backstrom has the third most power-play assists of active players behind Joe Thornton and Sydney Crosby. On Wednesday night, Ovechkin just tied Dave Andreychuk’s power-play goals record against the Blackhawks. The story of Washington’s power play has always been strength and success. This year things are different.

According to FOX Sports, the Caps power play is ranked 23rd in the NHL overall. They have a 17.1% success rate when up a man. Only the Pittsburg Penguins, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild are teams in playoff spots and are ranked lower.

Now there is a reason for these power play troubles. The major one is that Backstrom was out for the first 28 games. Backy has always been the quarterback of that power-play unit. With him on the ice in Chicago, the team looked calmer. He has a way of slowing the game down and being patient with the puck, so the team waits for the best opportunity. Once Backstrom gets settled in, and other stars such as Wilson and Kuznetsov get healthy that 17.1% should go up.

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