Caps are trying to end a 4 game skid tonight against Calgary. After the last game, Trotz had had enough and was fairly critical of the Caps and the same mistakes that are plaguing them (bad penalties and costly turnovers in their zone). He seems very much about accountability and indicated there could be changes.
For me, I have enjoyed watching the Caps this year. The mistakes are frustrating but it's clear there is much better play from this team. Stats point out that after the first 10 games this year, we have outshot the opponents in 8 of those 10 games - compared to only 3 out of 10 last year. Also, we have given up around 80 shots less than a year ago after 10 games. This is proof showing the difference in play. There is a real commitment to playing two way hockey. Offensive players need to get back on defense and defenders are expected to engage in offensive runs and create chances.
I like the play but again the mistakes are frustrating and costly. Heard Brooks Laich a few days back and he mentioned how different it is under Trotz (in a good way) and that the team is still settling into the new system and how Trotz is still figuring out line combinations. He mentioned that things should start to settle down at game 20 or 30. We'll see if this is the case. Again, I like the style of play and we are competing but we need to start winning.
One thing that has been really bugging me is the trade McPhee made for Erat. He gave up our top pick in Filip Forsberg who at 20 years old is already showing signs of becoming a quality player in Nashville. Erat was a malcontent that isn't even on the team anymore so we basically got Latta out of that trade. It's clear who got the better end BY FAR out of that trade.
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