NHL opens tonight - Caps vs. Blackhawks

Best time of the year as the football season is right in the thick of things and now the start of the NHL season begins.  It's an interesting time for the Caps as expectations aren't quite as high as they have been in previous years.  However, I think this group is going to surprise.  They enter the season in the newly aligned Metropolitan division with tough teams like the Penguins, Rangers, Islanders, and Flyers.  No longer will they have the easier Southeast division to beat up on. 

I do really like the makeup of the team this season.  I also like Adam Oates and think having a fully offseason/training camp/preseason with him will really benefit the team.  We all know the Caps started out slowly in the strike shortened season last year and they were trying to adjust to Oates' style on the fly but by the end of the season they were arguably the hottest team in hockey.  I think they will pick up where they left off at the end of last season and be a very tough team to play. 

I also like the makeup of the team.  We still have our core group of guys in Ovi, Backstrom, and Green all of which I expect a solid year from.  We've added some young guys and then a couple of FAs to complete the mix.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to hold on to Ribeiro which sucks because both sides wanted to work out a deal but Ribeiro was really asking too much from the Caps and I understood them not signing him.  To replace him, the Caps picked up Mikhail Grabovski.  A talented guy that is VERY passionate and who had a down year in Toronto and really fell out of favor with the coach.  He signed a one year deal and there is no doubt he has a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove.  He was very solid in the preseason and was an assist machine.  I'm looking to him as someone that could really make a difference.

The other interesting guys I will be looking at are:

Eric Fehr who looks like he will be making the move to center.  He had a tremendous preseason scoring five goals and may have found a new position that better suits him.

Brooks Laich who has been battling injuries the last couple of seasons.  Hopefully he can stay healthy because when he is, he is one of the better two way players in the game.  He is also a great locker room guy.

Tom Wilson is the young 19 year old who is big and strong and will be playing on the checking line.  He deserves the roster spot and will be interesting to see him grow.

Connor Carrick who came out of no where to pick up a defenseman roster spot.  The guy is in the mold of Mike Green in that he can skate and control the puck and has a strong shot that is able to find the net.  He will have a hard time getting on the ice but from what I have seen in preseason, he may eventually take over some one else's spot for more ice time. 

Neuvy/Holtby - I think Holtby is coming in with great confidence but Neuvy is coming in accepting his role (unlike the previous couple of years) and both played very well in camp.  Goalie should not be a problem for us.

Finally, I think the expectations from the experts are lower for the Caps this year.  I think that is a good thing.  I don't believe they feel the same type of pressure as in previous seasons and it will work to their advantage.  I do think the Caps will surprise people and end up having a very good year.  The question is will it be good enough.  I think this is a good group of guys that genuinely care for each other and there is a quiet commitment from this group to perform.  It's got all of the makings of a very good team.  We'll see what happens.  It all starts tonight against the defending champion Blackhawks.  Should be a good one.

LET'S GO CAPS!!!