Washington Capitals: 2018 Playoff Preview

The 2017-2018 Washington Capitals team photo

It’s that time of year again. The Washington Capitals have won their division for the 8^th time in the last 11 years as they begin to prepare for the playoffs. Although I should have lost all of my faith by now that the Capitals will win the Stanley Cup, here are the top 5 reasons why this year will be different:

Christian Djoos uses his keen vision on the ice to move the puck

5. Although the Capitals lost some experienced playoff veterans like Justin Williams, the team is still full of skilled players that deserve a deep playoff run. Great young players have emerged from trade deals in the off season that will be in and out of the lineup throughout the playoffs. Alex Chiasson has only played in 59 games this season, but continues to contribute despite his inconsistent schedule in the lineup. Another key young player on the Capitals roster is Christian Djoos. The young defenseman plays great positional hockey and has the ability to move the puck quickly and effectively.

 

Tom Wilson, the Washington Capitals' top enforcer

4. Role players like Tom Wilson and Lars Eller are having exceptional years. Both have recorded career highs in regular season points this season. Goals from role players will help alleviate some stress that is placed on the Capitals leading scorer, Alex Ovechkin. Additionally, Wilson brings some fire power in the playoffs through his big hits and fights that can easily energize the Washington Capitals when it is needed. However, Wilson will need to minimize dumb penalties especially if they face the Pittsburgh Penguins (who have the #1 power play in the NHL) in the second round.

 

Head Coach, Barry Trotz, skating at practice

3. Barry Trotz fully understands the strengths and weaknesses of this Washington Capitals team. In his forth season with the Capitals, he has been able to build a team with upper management that fits his system. After last season, the front office realized that trying to build a super-team through last minute deals at the trade deadline won’t work when it comes to the playoffs. The Capitals have a team of players that has been together all year. The chemistry that has been created in the locker room will prove to be more valuable than attaining “skill” players late in the season.

 

The Washington Capitals top two goalies Phillip Grubauer (right) and Braden Holtby (left)

2. The Capitals have two goaltenders that are both equally capable of helping the Capitals make a deep run in the playoffs. In past years, Braden Holtby has been the Capitals go-to goalie taking most of the regular season starts between the pipes. This year, Holtby’s production was down so the Capitals decided to give Philipp Grubauer more regular season starts. This does two things for the Capitals in the playoffs. First, they have two goaltenders that are reliable. If one goaltender begins to play poorly, the Capitals have a reliable backup ready to play. Second, the NHL season takes a toll on goaltenders. The Capitals need fresh goalies to make a long playoff run. By giving Grubauer more regular season starts as a backup, both goaltenders are fresh entering the playoffs.

 

Alex Ovechkin with several of his end of season awards

1. Alex Ovechkin is making a comeback year after a relatively lackluster performance in his 2016-2017 season. Last year Ovechkin only tallied 33 goals which marked one of his least productive seasons in the NHL. Through 80 games, Ovechkin has 46 goals this year which puts him atop of the leaderboard for goals. This would be the 7^th time that Ovechkin would win the Maurice “Pocket Rocket” Richard Trophy. The only trophy that is missing from his trophy case: The Stanley Cup!