Top 3 ways Capitals can win Metropolitan Division

#2 Consistent goaltending

The Capitals were unable to win the Metropolitan Division last season despite their hot start to the season. A big part of the problem was inconsistent goaltending from two young net minders that had yet to prove themselves.

Both Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek were very streaky. And it divided the Caps fan base onto which one they liked better. Neither were able to run away with the starters net and now neither of them are back with the Caps this season.

The Caps traded Vanecek to the Devils to move up in the draft. Then they decided to move on from Samsonov after the restricted free agent did not receive a qualifying offer from general manager Brian MacLellan.

The Caps hope that a reigning Stanley Cup champion goaltender in Darcy Kuemper can help address the goaltending issues that have plagued the team for the last two seasons. They also went in a new direction in backup with Charlie Lindgren.

They also still have Zach Fucale, Hunter Shepard and more in the pipeline.

Will Kuemper be the dominant goaltender that he is against a tough Metropolitan Division? The team hopes so and that’s why they invested in a veteran goalie over the summer.