Capitals Season Preview: 2 additions could finally tip the scales
The Washington Capitals took a big leap forward last season.
After missing the playoffs in 2014, the team welcomed former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz, who implemented a style of play that brought success on both sides of the puck.
The Capitals were able to bounce back with an 11-point improvement in the standings, capturing the second spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Once again, the team relied heavily on superstars Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin, who captured the Rocket Richard Trophy for the fifth time in his career.
After years of relying on the dynamic duo, though, the Capitals look to have brought in two capable right wingers to compliment Ovechkin and Backstrom.
T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams provide both skill and more experienced options on the right side. Oshie brings creativity and offensive flair, while Williams has been a consistent 40-50 point producer with a knack for playoff heroics.
Factor in the emergence of Braden Holtby as a legitimate No. 1, and the Capitals have what it takes to once again be a legitimate contender in the East.
Depth Chart
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Ovechkin | Nicklas Backstrom | T.J. Oshie |
| Marcus Johansson | Evgeny Kuznetsov | Justin Williams |
| Andre Burakovsky | Jay Beagle | Brooks Laich |
| Jason Chimera | Michael Latta | Tom Wilson |
| Zach Sill |
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Brooks Orpik | John Carlson |
| Karl Alzner | Matt Niskanen |
| Dmitry Orlov | Nate Schmidt |
| Taylor Chorney |
| G |
|---|
| Braden Holtby |
| Justin Peters |
| Philipp Grubauer |
X-Factor
After three seasons of fairly good play, Holtby finally proved to the franchise last season that he can be their man of the future. The goaltender led the league in games played (73), and was second in wins (41), first in shots against and saves, seventh in save percentage (.923), fifth in goals-against average (2.22), and second in shutouts (9).
Not surprisingly, nearly every one of those stats was a career-high. What might be more impressive is his numbers got better as the Capitals headed into the postseason. The 25-year-old put up a monstrous .944 SP and a 1.71 GAA in 13 games.
The Capitals resigned Holtby to a five-year, $30.5-million contract, averaging out to $6.1 million per season. After he reportedly asked for upward of $8 million per season, a smaller number showed that the Capitals aren't ready to make him the highest-paid goalie in the league.
Despite a huge breakout last season, Holtby's sample size is still relatively small, with just 178 regular-season games under his belt. But if he can prove that last season was no fluke, and the offense can continue to thrive, Washington could be one well-rounded, well-oiled machine.
Player to Watch
The Capitals made a splash this offseason by inking Williams to a two-year, $6.5-million contract. The forward should add great depth to the club, and his knack for clutch play in the postseason will surely be welcomed.
With that being said, Williams has seen a very slight decline in his production over the past three seasons, with his point total falling from 59 in 2012 to 41 this past season. Though the drop isn't large, he isn't getting any younger.
At 33 years of age, his best years are likely behind him. Early on, Williams is slated to start on the team's second line, likely alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson or Andre Burakovsky.
He has it in him to produce more than 20 goals, and his ability to score will have a significant impact on the Capitals' success down the stretch.