Washington Capitals getting praise for bolstering their lineup
From around the league to even SI
The Washington Capitals are earning high praise around the NHL and even Nick Horwat of SI said some good things about them lately. First let's get the boring part out of the way. The Caps weren't expected to get into the playoffs but did so anyway thanks to a 40-31-11 record, a -37 goal differential but getting hot down the stretch.
Winning the final three games to seal the Power of Friendship was huge. And the Caps decided to do more this offseason by trading for both Pierre-Luc Dubois and Logan Thompson. They also added Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy to their defense while their offenside depth also includes Andrew Mangiapane.
Bruce Boudreau recently said this on NHL Network:
"They went and added seven NHL players. They're rolling the dice with Dubois, but it's a great gamble."
Those are good words from a guy who gets it. He was part of the Rock the Red era and helped catapult the Caps into what they are today. He added this
"If you want to win, you got to roll the dice. When I was lucky to be there, they were big and strong, and I think that's what they are again.
Duobis and Mangiapane should provide the one two offensive punch, at least that's what the expectation is. While he only put up 40 points last season, Dubois could learn a thing or two playing right by Alex Ovechkin and has the potential to elevate his offensive game, as with Mangiapane.
Boudreau was the Caps head coach between the 2007-08 season and the 2011-12 season posting a 201-88-40 record as head coach. The Caps will be without some key forwards. Those injuries to Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie would do that.
But we all know the Great 8 is still around entering season 20 and has a chance to hit the all time goals record. If it all comes together you're talking about a playoff spot featuring a team with even more to prove.
This team coming up has the potential to shock a lot of folks including those within the Metropolitan Division, just like last season. Hopefully this time with better offense and defensive depth where none of us will have to worry about a -37 goal differential.
feed