Top 5 storylines as the Capitals enter a new season

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Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson and John Carlson are healthy

Last year the Capitals started the season out without Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson. In the middle of the season they lost John Carlson to a gruesome injury right around as they got hot. They got cold after that.

Backstrom has earned his chance to prove himself to the coaches and general manager Brian MacLellan. He proved himself enough to the point he’ll be centering the top line tonight alongside Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie.

Wilson got a full summer of training and entering a contract year, we don’t have to worry about any drama surrounding that or those annoying “Wilson trade rumors” on hockey twitter. Thank the lord the Caps re upped him for seven more seasons after this season.

Carlson’s journey back from his injury is inspiring. He hurt himself blocking a slapshot from former Capital Brenden Dillon. He was on a stretcher when Alex Ovechkin hit the historic goal to pass Gordie Howe. He has since come back in late March.

Having those guys back are huge especially when you start the season without Max Pacioretty and Joel Edmundson.

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