They shattered team records and won the President's Trophy, emblematic of the best team in the NHL, with 56 wins and 120 points. Head Coach Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Award for best coach. Braden Holtby won the Vezina Trophy for best goalie, racking up 48 wins and a .922 save percentage.
Alex Ovechkin won the Rocket Richard Award, leading the NHL in goals for the 6th time.
But unfortunately, the Caps did not achieve the ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup. And as a result, we found ourselves drowning our sorrows in pizza, red wine, and a side of Rocky Road ice cream as we watched the Pittsburgh Penguins hoist Lord Stanley in June.
But let's not live in the past. Instead, let's focus on the future and this season. And let's start with the question that's on everyone's mind: are the Caps any closer to reaching their ultimate goal this year? I've thought long and hard about this and truly believe the answer is yes. And here's why:
The Caps didn't need an entire overhaul in the offseason. With so many successes from last year, General Manager Brian MacLellan only needed to make a few minor tweaks to his team in order to continue to be a powerhouse. Production and depth from the bottom 6 forwards was an area that management wanted to address.
So… the Caps acquired Lars Eller from the Montreal Canadiens, a fast center who will strengthen the 3rd line. They then signed Brett Connolly, a winger who possesses good offensive instincts. The Caps also have the ability to start the season with a 23-man roster, which may open the door for one of the team's young impressive prospects. The Caps believe that these new additions will help solidify and strengthen the 3rd and 4th lines and add more depth to their lineup.
But why be so concerned about the 3rd and 4th lines? Well, because history shows that unsung heroes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs aren't usually the stars of the team. This is where depth in the lineup is important. It wasn't the Crosby/ Malkin lines that downed the Caps last May. It was Pittsburgh's 3rd and 4th Bonino and Cullen lines that did the damage in postseason play. And with the tweaks the Caps made to their bottom 6 forwards, the team is now stronger and more productive on paper, giving them a better chance to reach their ultimate goal.
Everything else remains the same. The same coaching staff. The same structure. The same star players. The same philosophy. And the same game plan.
But this time with a renewed passion and drive to win. The way I see it…how could this NOT be the year?
Looking forward to seeing everyone Rockin' the Red at Verizon Center!
GO CAPS!
!
Courtney
