Ovechkin Blasts Off: Alex Ovechkin and the Caps are primed for a big season in the Metro Division.
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WASHINGTON CAPITALS

2013 Record: 27-18-3 57 Pts

East Rank: 3rd

OUTLOOK: Back with the old Patrick, the Caps are presented with a new challenge. No longer able to feast on the Southeast, it won’t be as easy to make the playoffs. They can’t get off to a slow start and expect to sneak up on everyone. Based on the new division format, the Caps would’ve ranked fourth last year behind Pittsburgh, Montreal and Boston. That would’ve tied them with Toronto. In a deeper division that includes the Pens, Rangers, Islanders, Blue Jackets, Devils, Flyers and Hurricanes, they’ll need to be more consistent to avoid the playoff bubble.

FORWARDS: It begins and ends with Alex Ovechkin. The electrifying Russian star erupted for 32 goals and 56 points winning his third Hart. Once he adjusted to coach Adam Oates, he reclaimed his place as one of the sport’s elite. Can he repeat over 82 in an Olympic year back home? He’ll have help from Nicklas Backstrom, who should be primed for a big year. With Mike Ribeiro departing, the Caps’ top pivot will be looked upon to carry the load. Mikhail Grabovski replaces Ribeiro. He should be a good fit. The Caps get back Brooks Laich, whose veteran presence should be a boost. Is this the year Marcus Johansson breaks out? He’ll play on the top line. Depth shouldn’t be an issue with solid vets Troy Brouwer, Jason Chimera, Martin Erat and Joel Ward. With Jay Beagle, Eric Fehr and Mathieu Perreault, they’re four lines deep. Keep an eye on 19-year old Tom Wilson.

DEFENSEMEN: Mike Green is healthy and that is a huge plus. When on the ice, he’s the most dangerous offensive D in the league. In 35 games last year, he lit the lamp 12 times pacing Caps defensemen with 26 points. If you’re in a fantasy league, he should get strong consideration. John Carlson is more of a hybrid blueliner who can match up against top lines. Another big righty shot capable of contributing, that gives the Caps an edge. The great aspect about Washington’s back end is that only John Erskine is over 27. It’s a young core that features Karl Alzner, Jack Hillen, Steve Oleksy, Dmitry Orlov and Tomas Kundratek. While they won’t blow you away, it can get the job done.

GOALIES: In 2013, Braden Holtby proved he can be the number one goalie winning 23 games with a .920 save percentage and four shutouts. If not for Henrik Lundqvist, he would’ve backstopped them to the second round. The 24-year old netminder should be ready for the next step. It’s his first full season, which presents a new challenge. If he performs up to expectations, the Caps should compete for a top three spot in the Metro. Michal Neuvirth backs up. The club also has 21-year old German prospect Philipp Grubauer. Credit the Caps scouts for continuing to discover talent.

SPECIAL TEAMS: In 2013, the Caps boasted the best power play leading the league at 26.8 percent. That beat out Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Anaheim. Having Ovechkin and Green teeing up one-timers makes it potent. Backstrom is one of the best set up men and Brouwer is always in front. The only question is how much they’ll miss Ribeiro. He was a weapon. It depends how Oates uses Grabovski. If Johansson improves, watch out. Conversely, the penalty kill struggled mightily ranking 27th (77.9 percent). Only Carolina, Nashville and Florida were worse. At least they weren’t the most penalized tying with Calgary for ninth. It’s definitely an area that needs improvement in a good division.

COACHING: After a poor start, Adam Oates did a tremendous job. The Caps bought into the same system he brought in from New Jersey. The biggest change was shifting Ovechkin to the right side. It resulted in an MVP season and him carrying them to a division title. What’s in store in Year 2? He has a talented group capable of competing for the division. Let’s see how he does over 82.

ANALYSIS: There’s no denying the Caps talent. Boasting one of the game’s best in Ovechkin with a strong supporting cast, there’s no reason they shouldn’t challenge the Pens and Rangers for tops in the Metro. As long as Holtby performs and Green stays healthy, they’re a virtual lock for the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 2nd Metro Division