17 – Number of minor penalties the Washington Capitals have taken in the offensive zone through 11 games this season. Incredibly, that’s more than they’ve taken in the defensive zone (if we don’t include the penalty shot they gave the Sabres; it’s equal if we do). The problem isn’t getting any better, either – the Caps’ last three non-matching minors (all of last night’s Rangers power plays) were offensive-zone penalties, seven of their last 15, and 13 of their last 25 penalties have occurred in the attacking zone. Needless to say, taking penalties 115-plus feet from your own goal isn’t particularly helpful, and it’s a habit the Caps will need to break immediately.
And because we like to name names, here’s the list of perpetrators:
Oh, and if you’re interested in the types of penalties the Caps have taken in the offensive zone (spoiler: they’re generally the lazy kind)…