2011-12 record: 42-32-8 (92 points)
Lost to NY Rangers in Conference semi-finals
Captain: Alexander Ovechkin
The Capitals were heavy favorites to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the season. Then, November rolled around, and they stunk so bad that Freshwave was installed (read: Bruce Boudreau was canned for Dale Hunter, who then decided to take his puck and go home to London Knights). On the dying days of the season, the Capitals barely snuck into the playoffs and knocked off Boston before succumbing to the Rangers in seven. Offense was ordinary, as none of the premier weapons in Alexander Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, or Alex Semin had particularly good years. Semin is now in Carolina, and now, it is up to Ovechkin and Backstrom to get back some of what they lost. The blue line, long perceived as a strength, was anything but, as Mike Green missed most of the season and no one really stepped up. This year will be Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby battling for the starting goaltender role, and Holtby has the advantage of being the one who has played well more recently.
Prediction: 6th in the East
Band: Korpiklaani
When Korpiklaani started out, they were the fresh, new thing in metal. Now, you wonder if they will ever be anything more than a curiosity. The Captials are hoping to be more than just a perpetual bridesmaid.
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