Capitalizing on a Mistake
There could be reason for excitement in Washington this season.
If any team should be excited about celebrating New Years', it's the Washington Capitals.
After failing to make the playoffs last year, the Capitals found themselves presented with a gift, wrapped neatly with a big red ribbon on its forehead in the waiver draft. Despite not picking until selection number eight, the Capitals landed starting goaltender, and two-time Vezina Trophy nominee Pekka Rinne, who had been wiaved by the Dallas Stars.
Pekka Rinne or Mike Smith? Who will win the goaltending musical chairs competition in Washington?
Rinne had just been signed this past off-season by the Stars, but an over-addition of salary left the Stars in desperate need to get below the salary cap befre the waiver draft, and they elected to waive the all-star netminder. A combination of a lack of roster space and cap space led to seven other teams being forced to pass on the star before Washington was able to grab him.
"We are estatic to get him," announced Capitals General manager Wasson. "He gives us a proven number one netminder and a chance to compete every night."
Wasson went on to add that the club still haven't decided if Rinne or Mike Smith, added over the summer from the Ottawa Senators, would be the starting netminder for the club. While Wasson woudln't comment, it does seem likely one of the two goaltenders will be moved via a trade soon.
"This gives us a lot of options, and a trade is one of those options. We'll weigh all options heavily before making a decision."
Smith got the nod for game one on the regulr season and managed to pick up the win despite making just 14 saves.
With a solid top two lines and a dependable defense, the Capitals feel the dramatic shoring up of their weak spot in net last year will allow them to overcome the obstacles which held them out of the playoffs last season.
"We have a solid team here, and when they added Smith I felt like they had a good enough crew to take a run at the playoffs. It's a big reason why I signed here," noted Jay McClement, arguably Washington's biggest free agent pick up.
Jay McClement is happy to be in Washington, and Mike Smith was a big reason for that.
It's a lot of work to do though, as Washington finished 28 points out of a playoff and 12th overall in the Eastern Conference, going 32-42-8 last season.
But there's reason for optimism. Washington missed the playoffs largely on the fact they allowed 254 goals aganst. Of all 16 playoff teams, only the Detroit Red Wings allowed more goals at 258, while the most scored upon Eastern Conference team was the New York Islanders, who allowed just 226 goals. In fact, Washington allowed the third most goals against in the entire conference, just ahead of Toronto (256). Carolina allowed 280 goals last season to lead all Eastern Conference teams.
If Rinne and Smith can cut that total down, and the offense can find a way to improve even slightly from the 211 goals they scored last year -ranking 13th as well in the conference- things will be better for the Capitals this season. Expect Jordan Eberle to be a key that cause, as he certain be promoted from the farm shortly. The young winger is viewed by many to be one of the most promising players in the game.
Jordan Eberle figures to be a key offensive cog for Washington this season.
There could be reason for excitement in Washington this season.
If any team should be excited about celebrating New Years', it's the Washington Capitals.
After failing to make the playoffs last year, the Capitals found themselves presented with a gift, wrapped neatly with a big red ribbon on its forehead in the waiver draft. Despite not picking until selection number eight, the Capitals landed starting goaltender, and two-time Vezina Trophy nominee Pekka Rinne, who had been wiaved by the Dallas Stars.
Pekka Rinne or Mike Smith? Who will win the goaltending musical chairs competition in Washington?
Rinne had just been signed this past off-season by the Stars, but an over-addition of salary left the Stars in desperate need to get below the salary cap befre the waiver draft, and they elected to waive the all-star netminder. A combination of a lack of roster space and cap space led to seven other teams being forced to pass on the star before Washington was able to grab him.
"We are estatic to get him," announced Capitals General manager Wasson. "He gives us a proven number one netminder and a chance to compete every night."
Wasson went on to add that the club still haven't decided if Rinne or Mike Smith, added over the summer from the Ottawa Senators, would be the starting netminder for the club. While Wasson woudln't comment, it does seem likely one of the two goaltenders will be moved via a trade soon.
"This gives us a lot of options, and a trade is one of those options. We'll weigh all options heavily before making a decision."
Smith got the nod for game one on the regulr season and managed to pick up the win despite making just 14 saves.
With a solid top two lines and a dependable defense, the Capitals feel the dramatic shoring up of their weak spot in net last year will allow them to overcome the obstacles which held them out of the playoffs last season.
"We have a solid team here, and when they added Smith I felt like they had a good enough crew to take a run at the playoffs. It's a big reason why I signed here," noted Jay McClement, arguably Washington's biggest free agent pick up.
Jay McClement is happy to be in Washington, and Mike Smith was a big reason for that.
It's a lot of work to do though, as Washington finished 28 points out of a playoff and 12th overall in the Eastern Conference, going 32-42-8 last season.
But there's reason for optimism. Washington missed the playoffs largely on the fact they allowed 254 goals aganst. Of all 16 playoff teams, only the Detroit Red Wings allowed more goals at 258, while the most scored upon Eastern Conference team was the New York Islanders, who allowed just 226 goals. In fact, Washington allowed the third most goals against in the entire conference, just ahead of Toronto (256). Carolina allowed 280 goals last season to lead all Eastern Conference teams.
If Rinne and Smith can cut that total down, and the offense can find a way to improve even slightly from the 211 goals they scored last year -ranking 13th as well in the conference- things will be better for the Capitals this season. Expect Jordan Eberle to be a key that cause, as he certain be promoted from the farm shortly. The young winger is viewed by many to be one of the most promising players in the game.
Jordan Eberle figures to be a key offensive cog for Washington this season.
