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Rink Roundtable: Positivity!

There have been a lot of clouds over the Caps this season. We try to find a silver lining or two in our latest roundtable.

Photo courtesy of the Washington Capitals

We’ve talked plenty about what’s gone wrong with the Capitals…so let’s go for something more positive, what are some reasons for optimism about this team?

J.P.: That there’s less than half a season left is cause for celebration! Seriously, though, I’ve seen glimpses of what Spencer Carbery might be able to achieve as a coach once the roster gets sorted a bit. After all, he’s the proverbial chef trying to cook with ingredients that he didn’t have any say in shopping for, so no one should’ve expected a five-star meal. That said, those glimpses have been somewhat few and far between – the team still grades out very poorly in expected goals for and against at fives, has a horrific power play and the third-worst PK on the circuit over the past month. Speaking optimistically, it can’t get much worse!

Kalilu: I don’t have much to offer if you’re looking for optimism on this year’s team, but on a macro level, I think what’s been a muddy situation over the last two years is starting to clear up. The Caps were largely in a holding pattern due to some massive question marks surrounding several players, whether it was Nicklas Backstrom’s health or Evgeny Kuznetsov’s inconsistency. For better and/or worse, those questions have mostly been answered this year. It’s becoming clearer what the optimal moves to make with this roster are. There’s an uncomfortable ambiguity that comes with another deadline sell-off, but preparing the transition out of the Ovechkin era should be prioritized, and it’s nice to be able to rip the band-aid off on that even if it stings in the present. It makes for a rough on-ice product most nights, but the willingness to do so gives me confidence in the organization’s ability to course-correct and give themselves more options going forward.

And as a bonus, that transitory phase is off to a good start with 2023 draft picks Ryan Leonard and Andrew Cristall enjoying strong D+1 years. The former is lighting up the collegiate ranks and played a key role in USA’s World Junior gold medal win, and the latter currently holds the 2nd highest point per game rate in the WHL. I don’t think there’s a surefire future franchise player in the organization yet, but for a team that’s only gotten to pick in the lottery once over the last decade, the Caps have quietly been able to find some potential building blocks for a post-Ovechkin future, with (presumably) more to come this summer.

Andrew: It’s tough to find a positive with this team. There were things to be positive about the season when it started. A new, young coach with an eye toward the future. Nicklas Backstrom coming back. Maybe Evgeny Kuznetsov returning to form. Another year of Alex Ovechkin scoring goals and defying time.

Almost none of that has happened, although of that list, the Ovechkin scoring drought has been the most disappointing. It has made the team less fun to watch, even a little boring as the team as a whole struggles with offense. I like Kalilu’s point about up-and-coming young players, though. They will be nice additions to a team that does have some good pieces in place. Dylan Strome certainly has been a bright spot. His 19 goals leads the team. Another bright spot is second in goals Anthony Mantha with 15. His play helps the team on the ice and now possibly could be a trade piece, something that could not be said in the offseason. Tom Wilson’s 12 goals is third on the team. Having him back relatively healthy has been good to see. And as far as the rest of the season goes, I will be celebrating any Ovechkin goal. I’ll always try to be optimistic that he goes on a tear and starts scoring in bunches again. 

Luke: I think Carbery will be a great one. As JP mentioned, it’s about getting him the right players in the future. I think his system is built for a bit more speed and skill and the Caps are lacking in both to no fault of his own or Brian MacLellan. It’s just the facts for an aging team. The good news is those improved players could be here as soon as this summer. With Backstrom more than likely staying on the shelf, Oshie contemplating retirement, and Kuznetsov more than gone, those players could be replaced with more impactful players to Carbery and his system. 

Rob: The two biggest places to find hope are in the young talent on the ice and behind the bench. It feels like forever since the Caps had a prospect as exciting as Leonard, and the three kids playing in DC along with Miro mean there will be a core of young forwards to pick up the mantle sooner than later. HCSC genuinely looks like a good coach, and while all coaches have a shelf life I think BMac is going to understand the situation and be patient enough to let HCSC grow through this phase of malaise. Watching the rest of the Gretzky chase will be largely uninspiring, but I’m excited for what comes after. 

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