Offseason Brings A New and Improved Washington Capitals Team to D.C.
By Zack Astran, Sports Editor //
As the Washington Capitals skated off the ice after their final game of the season, the entire NHL knew that the Capitals would be in for huge changes.
It was the first time that the Caps had not made the postseason in the last seven years. A team that is lead by Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom seemingly is always under scrutiny when it comes to playoff time.
Critics say Ovechkin can’t get it done when it comes to the playoffs, and their is not enough leadership to have a team like this go deep into the playoffs.
This past season was different.
After missing the postseason owner Ted Leonsis was faced with a tough decision. Ultimately, he decided to fire general manager George McPhee as well as head coach Adam Oates. The firing of McPhee was an incredibly tough decision due to the fact that he had been with the team for so long, but the team was not progressing in the direction that is needed in order to hoist the Stanley Cup Trophy.
The head coaching vacancy of the Washington Capitals was enticing. Coaching the Capitals provides an opportunity to coach one of the best goal scorers in the NHL in Alex Ovechkin. It also provides an opportunity to coach one of the most underrated centers in the league, Nicklas Backstrom. All of the pieces that make up a very talented Capitals team was more than enough to lure Barry Trotz, former coach of the Nashville Predators, to the nations capital.
Trotz is a proven winner with the Predators. He does not have a Stanley Cup on his resume, but he is known throughout the league as a defensive-minded coach that takes a team with not a lot of talent, and makes them better than average.
After the hiring of Trotz, the general manger void needed to be filled. Executives around the league got the impression that the Washington Capitals wanted to go out of house for their hiring of the next general manager, but Brian McClellan made a very strong impression in his initial interview and hiring.
McClellan went out and spent some money. Brooks Orpik, former Pittsburg Penguin defender, signed a five year deal worth 25 million. Orpik is a proven defender who just recently represented his country in the Sochi Olympics.
Matt Niskanen another former Penguin, accepted McClellan’s offer of seven years at 40.25 million, again filling a void at defense. Two proven defenders now join the likes of John Carlson, Karl Alzner, and Mike Green.
There was also a spot to fill at goaltender. When the Washington Capitals made it clear that Brayden Holtby would be their starter, even after a rough season, they needed to find a veteran backup. Justin Peters, former Carolina Hurricane was the perfect fit. He is a proven backup that played alongside Cam Ward and can provide Holtby with healthy competition for the number one job.
What will this Washington Capitals team do with so much potential? Only time will tell, but the future looks like it is back in the right direction for Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals.