Welcome to the “5 things” series here at Two Pad Stack!
As we head toward the twilight days of summer, each team has some unanswered questions that need addressing before the season gets started. Luckily for you, the staff here at 2PS will bring those questions to light.
Today, we take a look at a team with a new coach and a new system: the Washington Capitals.
1. How will Barry Trotz fit in?
After a lengthy, somewhat-successful stint in Nashville, Trotz is the man behind the bench in the nation’s capital. Of course, that leads to more questions than anything else. The first is how he’ll mesh with superstar Alex Ovechkin.
Trotz built a two-way team in Nashville, but he’s never had a dynamic player like Ovechkin at his disposal. How he utilizes him will be important for the Capitals and their chances at making a breakthrough in the playoffs.
2. Can Braden Holtby rebound?
Holtby was supposed to be the unquestioned starter last year, but a combination of changes in his style (he played deeper in his crease than before) and the Caps poor defense really hurt him. In 48 games, he had a .915 save percentage and 2.85 GAA; both will need improvement if he’s to make an impact between the pipes for Washington.
The hope is that new goalie coach Mitch Korn will be able to help. He worked with Tomas Vokoun and Pekka Rinne in Nashville, and we all know how those two have done over the course of their careers. The young Holtby still has time to turn it around, but the clock is ticking with each passing season.
3. Is Evgeny Kuznetsov ready for the big time?
After making his debut with the Capitals in March, posting nine points in 17 games, Kuznetsov will not only likely make the Capitals out of camp but he could be the team’s second-line center, playing behind star pivot Nicklas Backstrom.
Kuznetsov is an excellent skater and playmaker, with the rare type of passing ability teams love. He’s strong on the boards, not afraid to get into the muck, and shows good puck control skills. If he can refine his defensive game and play smarter away from the puck, he should excel in Washignton.
4. Have the Caps shored up their defensive issues?
One of the big issues for the Caps last year was keeping the puck out of their own net: they finished 21st in the league allowing 2.79 goals per game. Part of that was Holtby struggling, but part of that was due to a defense that yielded the fourth-most shots per game.
The team went out and made two significant additions on the blue line in Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen. Orpik took a step back last year, looking slower and more beatable, but he’ll be counted on to rebound and provide an experienced physical edge. Niskanen, meanwhile, is coming off a career season with Pittsburgh. He’s a smart puck mover, but won’t win those one-on-one battles.
Combined with mainstays like John Carlson and Karl Alzner, the Capitals defense will need to take a big step forward next year.
5. Which, if any, prospects can we expect to see this year?
Phillip Grubauer saw 17 games of action with the Capitals last year, looking decent on his way to a 6-5-5 record. He could challenge Holtby for a platoon gig if the latter isn’t as sharp as he needs to be coming out of camp.
The other name worth watching is Connor Carrick. He’s on the small side at 5’11”, 185 but he’s got good offensive abilities to make an impact on the next level. There might be a bit of a jam on the blueline with the new signings, but he could be one of the first called up in the event of injury.
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