What are realistic expectations for the Capitals in the 2024-25 NHL Season?

The Washington Capitals season is fast approaching. Last night hockey was played finally for the world to see. But we have to wait just a few more days. So one hot question as the season approaches is what are the realistic expectations of a veteran laden team mixed with youth.

With a stacked Metropolitan Division on paper, the most realistic expecation for the Caps is either a two or three seed in the Metropolitan Division. At least that is wishful thinking but hear us out for a second.

The way the players sounded throughout training camp was a team of ambition. Last year they had something to prove to the league and they did that by returning to the playoffs. With anything that can possibly happen that is the magic of the NHL spring, your best bet in this stacked division is to grab the two seed or the three seed.

A top seeded team will likely crater towards the end of the postseason. At least that's what we saw up in New York with Peter Laviolette's Rangers. A two or three seed spot and our crystal ball indicates opening night will be a playoff preview between the Caps and the Devils.

New Jersey got better too. We all like Josh Harris in this town for football reasons but you got to respect what he did with the Devils, turning them into a legitmate contender after they missed the playoffs last season.

Alex Ovechkin is 42 goals away from the record. Eyes will be on him throughout the season which is a good thing if you're optimistic. Jakub Vrana made the team out of training camp and being in familiar territory should fire V to tear it up.

The defense got shored up and is healthy again. We have a goalie to watch night after night in Charlie Lindgren. The Caps are off today if you're reading this on this fine Wednesday but return to MedStar Capitals Iceplex for practice at 10:30 a.m. There will be a concert Thursday night for those interested called Caps 50 Fest presented by TikTok at Capital One Arena.

So our pick for the Caps is for them to make the playoffs, at least that's my prediction as a two or three seed where they'll face off against the Devils. It's too early to throw stats and numbers especially with the puck already having dropped last night with the ESPN tripleheader. Though those were some good games.