Now for something we can ALL agree on. The Caps open up their season tomorrow night at home against the Hurricanes. The time is now. There are no more "ifs," "ands," or "buts." It is Stanley Cup or nothing. There is a lot riding on this team. Expectations have grown in each of the past 3 seasons and there was a big let down last season in not even really competing in the second round of the playoffs against Tampa Bay.
Boudreau's job is on the line. Even Ovechkin has to showcase and validate his star status and role as captain. The core group (Ovie, Semin, Backstrom, Green) is no longer young. They are a veteran group now and they have to understand that the window is closing. The Caps did add some physicality this offseason with the additions of Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward. These guys should be able to create more havoc up front and disrupt goalies/defenders allowing more opportunities for the skill players like Semin and Backstrom. Those guys should be able to crash the net more and get some garbage goals as well.
The Caps also added some veteran leadership with the return of local boy Jeff Halpern and Roman Hamerlik.
On paper, it is a talented bunch. ESPN had them ranked at #3 in their preseason power rankings. The thing is on paper means nothing. They have to produce and can't think about playoff time in April. It has to be one game at a time. Will be interesting to watch the approach of this team and see if they are more focused and business like this season. That is what I am expecting. Will also be interesting to see their style of hockey. Two years ago, it was basically run and gun and we will give up plenty of goals but we are going to outscore you. Last season, the focus was on defense and a cost of us scoring our own goals. Will be interesting the style this season. In any case, the Cup is the only option this season. Anything else is tremendous failure and will most likely bring about change in the offseason.
LETS GO CAPS!!!
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