NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Jose Theodore, G (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Colorado Avalanche)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Matt Cooke, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins)
Steve Eminger, D (Traded to the Philadelphia Flyers)
Cristobal Huet, G (Signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks)
Olaf Kolzig, G (Signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning)
2007-08 Season Finish: 1st Southeast Division, 3rd Eastern Conference, 94 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Lost 4-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers in Quarterfinals
2008-09 Prediction: 1st Southeast Division, 3rd Eastern Conference
The Washington Capitals were one of the most improved teams in the NHL during the 2007-08 season. After a slow start that saw the Capitals in last place in the Eastern Conference and the league in early November, Bruce Boudreau was brought in to replace Glen Hanlon as head coach. The Capitals had a strong finish to the season, just managing to squeeze past the Carolina Hurricanes for a playoff spot, and as a result, became the first team in NHL history to make the playoffs after being in last place in the league at any point during the same season. The Capitals figure to be a competitive team in the Eastern Conference during the 2008-09 season, especially with their highly talented offense. Alexander Ovechkin, one of the premier stars in the league, gives the Capitals lots of goal-scoring talent, offensive skills, and an excellent shot. Youngsters Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom bring lots of offensive potential, passing skills, and goal-scoring talent. Michael Nylander and Viktor Kozlov provide the Capitals with plenty of veteran depth and offensive experience, while Sergei Fedorov gives the team a decent two-way forward with good offensive skills. Matt Bradley and Donald Brashear give the Capitals two physical forwards with lots of gritty play, while Chris Clark provides plenty of toughness and goal-scoring skills to the forward lines. Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann give the team two offensively talented forwards who can score goals, while Boyd Gordon and Eric Fehr bring decent offensive depth to the Capitals. David Steckel and Quintin Laing also bring plenty of offensive depth and experience to the team. Prospects Chris Bourque, Francois Bouchard, and Oskar Osala will look to make the team at training camp on their fine offensive skills and potential. While the Capitals have plenty of young talent on offense, the addition of another veteran forward for depth could be beneficial to the team.
The Capitals defense did not change much over the summer, with the only departure being Steve Eminger via trade with Philadelphia, and should be just as competitive during the 2008-09 season as it was in 2007-08. Mike Green, who enjoyed a very productive season in 2007-08, is fast becoming the top player on the Capitals defense with his fine offensive skills and physical play. Tom Poti and Brian Pothier both provide plenty of offensive talent and toughness to the Capitals' defense, while Jeff Schultz brings plenty of offensive upside to the blueline. John Erskine gives the Capitals a rugged defenseman with lots of toughness, while Milan Jurcina brings plenty of defensive depth to the team's defense. The Capitals will likely see prospects Karl Alzner and Sami Lepisto vie for a roster spot at training camp on their fine offensive play. The addition of a veteran defenseman to the blueline could be beneficial to the Capitals young defensive corps.
The Capitals' goaltending changed completely following the 2008 playoffs, with trade deadline acquisition Cristobal Huet signing with Chicago and long-time starting goaltender Olaf Kolzig signing with Tampa Bay. Upon losing the two goaltenders, the Capitals immediately signed Jose Theodore via free agency. Theodore, who struggled during the 2006-07 season, greatly improved his game last season with the Colorado Avalanche. Theodore gives the Capitals solid depth and experience in goal. Brent Johnson, who was the Capitals' backup goaltender until the acquisition of Huet, will return as the backup for the 2008-09 season. Johnson gives the Capitals solid depth and veteran experience in goal. Prospects Simeon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth could challenge Johnson for the backup role at training camp on their fine goaltending skills.
STRENGTHS
- Lots of talented young players on offense.
- Plenty of physical bodies on defense.
- Solid, experienced goaltending.
WEAKNESSES
- Could use a little more veteran depth on offense.
- Need more veteran depth on defense.
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