After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Washington Capitals look to rebound and return to the playoffs in the 2023-24 season.
2022-23
Record: 35-37-10 (80 pts) – 6th in Metropolitan
Playoffs: Did Not Qualify
Key Losses
Conor Sheary (F – TB), Matt Irwin (D – VAN), Craig Smith (F – DAL), Peter Laviolette (Head Coach)
Key Additions
Max Pacioretty (F), Joel Edmundson (D), Spencer Carbery (Head Coach)
2023-24 Preview
The Washington Capitals had a mixed performance during the 2022-23 season, finishing with a record of 35-37-10 and totaling 80 points. They secured the 6th place in the Metropolitan Division but unfortunately did not qualify for the playoffs.
Although the Capitals didn’t make it to the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, there is always an opportunity for growth and improvement. The team has a solid foundation with players like Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, and Rasmus Sandin. With the right guidance and strategy under the leadership of head coach Spencer Carbery, the Capitals aim to bounce back and perform stronger in the upcoming season.
The Great Ovi Chase
Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals scored in NHL history has been a captivating storyline in the world of hockey. Ovechkin, the prolific Russian forward and captain of the Washington Capitals, has consistently showcased his goal-scoring prowess throughout his career, making him one of the most exciting players to watch.
As of the 2022-23 season, Ovechkin is still chasing Gretzky’s remarkable record of 894 career goals. Ovechkin’s electrifying playing style, combined with his deadly accurate shot and impeccable scoring instincts, has allowed him to accumulate an impressive number of goals. He has consistently been among the league leaders in goal scoring since entering the NHL in 2005, and his remarkable consistency season after season gives him a compelling chance to surpass Gretzky’s record.
What makes Ovechkin’s chase even more remarkable is the era in which he is playing. The game has evolved significantly since Gretzky’s heyday, with increased emphasis on defense, goaltending, and structured systems. Despite these challenges, Ovechkin has continued to find ways to score goals at a remarkable pace. His ability to adapt and adjust his game to different opponents and styles of play is a testament to his greatness and determination.
Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record serves as a testament to his longevity, skill, and passion for the game. If he continues at his current pace, it is not a question of if he will break the record, but when. Ovechkin’s quest has brought excitement and anticipation to the hockey world, with fans eagerly following his progress and celebrating each milestone he achieves along the way.
As Ovechkin continues to chase Gretzky’s record, hockey fans will have the privilege of witnessing history in the making. Sitting at 822 goals right now, it’s not expected for Ovechkin to surpass Gretzky this season, but he will close the gap.
What Nicklas Backstrom are We Getting?
Niklas Backstrom, the talented forward for the Washington Capitals, is undoubtedly looking to make a significant impact in the upcoming season after having a full offseason to train. Backstrom, known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and hockey IQ, has always been a key contributor to the Capitals’ success.
Having a full offseason to train can be incredibly beneficial for any player, and Backstrom is no exception. It allows him to focus on improving his strength, speed, and overall conditioning, which can directly translate to better performance on the ice. Backstrom’s dedication to training during the offseason will undoubtedly help him maintain his high level of play and potentially take it to new heights.
One area where Backstrom excels is his playmaking ability. His vision on the ice and his ability to anticipate and create scoring opportunities for his teammates are second to none. But how dangerous will he truly be?
There are questions about the type of operation that Backstrom had on his hip. Will he be able to still keep up with the speed of the game? If not, is he really worth being a $9.2 million third or fourth line center? Only time will tell to see how Backstrom comes into the 2023-24 season.
More Impact from the Offense
The Washington Capitals have a talented group of forwards heading into the 2023-24 season. Led by Ovechkin, the Capitals boast a combination of veteran experience and youthful energy among their forward lines.
The Capitals also have forwards like Dylan Strome, and recent addition Max Pacioretty. Strome, a talented center, has shown offensive potential and has the ability to contribute offensively. Pacioretty, a fresh addition to the team, brings goal-scoring ability and veteran experience to the lineup. However, it will take some time before the Capitals see Pacioretty in the lineup as he is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
The Capitals’ forward group also consists of promising young players like Sonny Milano and other prospects who could make an impact in the upcoming season. These young players add depth and energy to the team’s lineup and provide a glimpse into the future of the Capitals’ forward corps.
Overall, the Capitals’ forwards going into the 2023-24 season provide a mix of scoring ability, playmaking skills, physicality, and depth. With the leadership of Ovechkin and Backstrom, along with the contributions of the supporting cast, the Capitals’ forward group will be a force to be reckoned with and will play a crucial role in the team’s success.
Shoring Up the Blue Line
The Washington Capitals have a solid defensive corps and goaltending heading into the 2023-24 season. While there may have been some changes and adjustments in the offseason, the team’s overall defensive system remains strong.
On the blue line, the Capitals have players like John Carlson, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Nick Jensen, Martin Fehervary, and new addition Joel Edmundson. These defensemen provide a good mix of offensive skill, defensive reliability, and physicality. John Carlson, in particular, is a key player for the Capitals. He is an offensive threat from the blue line and plays a significant role in quarterbacking the power play.
The defensive group also has promising young players like Rasmus Sandin and Alexander Alexeyev who can contribute in both ends of the ice. These young players bring speed, defensive awareness, and puck-moving abilities to the lineup. Their development and progression will be important factors for the Capitals’ success on defense.
In terms of goaltending, the Capitals have a reliable tandem in net with Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren. Kuemper had a solid performance in the 2022-23 season, showing his ability to step up as a starter when needed, but it was also plagued due to injuries throughout the lineup. Lindgren also showed promise and is a solid backup option to Kuemper. The Capitals’ goaltending depth provides stability and options for the team.
Overall, the Capitals have a strong defensive corps and goaltending going into the 2023-24 season. The combination of experienced defensemen, talented young players, and a reliable goaltending tandem will be key for the team’s success in shutting down opponents and keeping the puck out of their own net.
The Tom Wilson Effect
Tom Wilson, the power forward for the Washington Capitals, is a player who always generates a lot of attention both on and off the ice. Known for his physicality and agitator role, Wilson is an important piece of the Capitals’ lineup. In the 2023-24 season, there are several expectations surrounding Wilson’s performance.
First and foremost, Wilson’s physical presence and ability to create havoc for opponents will continue to be an important factor for the Capitals. His aggressive style of play often disrupts opposing teams’ strategies and creates space for his teammates. Wilson is known for his strong forecheck and willingness to engage in physical battles, which can wear down opponents and open up opportunities for scoring.
However, it is essential for Wilson to continue to maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary penalties, as he has faced suspensions in the past due to questionable hits. Finding the right balance between physicality and staying within the rules will be crucial for Wilson to contribute effectively to the team’s success.
In addition to his physicality, Wilson has also improved his offensive game over the years. He has shown the ability to chip in offensively and contribute on the scoresheet. His presence in front of the net and his ability to create screens and deflections make him a valuable asset on the power play. Expectations for Wilson will include contributing consistently on the offensive end, both in terms of scoring goals and setting up plays for his teammates.
Furthermore, as an established veteran player, Wilson will be looked upon to provide leadership and mentorship to the younger players on the team. His experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable in helping the team develop and grow. Wilson’s ability to lead by example and guide the Capitals’ younger players in the right direction will be an essential aspect of his continuously growing role on the team.
The expectations for Tom Wilson during the 2023-24 season are high. The Capitals will rely on his physicality, offensive contributions, leadership, and discipline to drive the team’s success. With the right approach, Wilson has the potential to play a significant role in helping the Capitals compete at a high level and make a push for the playoffs.
While the 2022-23 season may not have been the most successful for the Capitals, the team undoubtedly has the potential to regroup and come back stronger in the next season. Fans can certainly look forward to exciting developments and improved performance from the Capitals in the future.
Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA, MIN, MON, NAS, NJ, NYI, NYR, OTT, PHI, PIT, SJ, SEA, STL, TB, TOR, VAN, VGK
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