The Flyers beat the Hurricanes in a shootout last night, eliminating the Caps from postseason contention. Thanks, Philly, for the brotherly shove out of the playoffs. In a game that saw Carolina sit a few of their stars and the Flyers win it in the shootout, it hardly seems fair. What had been a fun and promising last few weeks for the Caps and their new youngsters ends with a game in Columbus tonight. The game only matters in determining the final standing points and draft position for both teams, but there are plenty of positives to take from the season.Â
The Caps rookies this year were a revelation. The two 19 year olds Ilya Protas and Cole Hutson showcased their skills and potential a few games. Justin Sourdif proved he can hold down the center position anywhere from the second to the fourth line. Ryan Leonard went through some growing pains while displaying the grit, skill, and wicked wrister that had everyone excited when the Capitals were able to draft him back in 2023. The team is headed in the right direction.
With the draft just two months away, the consolation prize for Washington will be a pick in the top half of a draft, a draft many experts have graded as a strong one. Having their first rounder as well as Anaheim’s from the John Carlson trade, which the Caps will own this year since the Ducks made the playoffs, the Caps will have three first rounders in the next two drafts. An influx of top of the draft talent on the blue line and at the center position would address the organizations needs in those areas of their system. They could also package some of those picks and a few prospects in order to acquire the top six forward GM Chris Patrick has openly discussed. Or maybe they can pull off both. With plenty of cap space this summer, between trades and free agency, the team should be much improved going into the Fall. Â
Tonight in Columbus could be Alex Ovechkin’s final game for all we know. However, it would be surprising if he didn’t come back next year, since he obviously still has gas in the tank. Ovechkin and the Capitals have only missed the playoffs three times since 2008. I doubt he would hang up his skates when the team just missed qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs and the future looking up. The draft and free agency should put the team on even better footing for next season, making it even more enticing for Alex Ovechkin to return for another shot at winning the Cup.
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