2012-13 record: 27-18-3 (57 points)
Lost to NY Rangers in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Alexander Ovechkin
Stop me if you've heard this one before: The Washington Capitals ride Alexander Ovechkin's MVP year into the playoffs, only to get eliminated in the opening round. No, this isn't a repeat of seasons past, though you can easily mistake last season for every other year. The new divisional realignment won't do the Capitals any favors, or will the fact that the Caps decided to remain pat for much of the off-season. Ovechkin returns, as will Nicklas Backstrom, who looked better than in recent times thanks to being healthy for an entire season. However, the second leading scorer will not return, as Mike Ribeiro left for desert. The next leading scorer after those three was Troy Brouwer, a full 15 points behind Backstrom, but a healthy 19 goals accounting for much of his production. He should benefit from the arrival of Mikhail Grabovski, who had an off year in Toronto and was bought out. A new start should help him regain some of those numbers, particularly if he plays like a top two center. Mike Green still had health issues, but also still managed to lead all defensemen in goals. If healthy, he will provide a spark once again from the blue line. After Green, only Karl Alzner and John Carlson are guaranteed spots on the blue line. The rest of the group is as much of a question mark as anything the Caps have done (or not done) in recent years. Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth are back in goal, and while neither has really seized the starting role, Holtby has done enough to gain the edge in that category thanks to his effort down the stretch.
Prospects: Only Tom Wilson appears to be ready to immediately contribute to a Caps' squad that needs all the help they can get. He provides muscle and in time, should make Caps' fans forget about Matt Hendricks, who left for Nashville. Evgeny Kuznetsov has a year left in the KHL, but an injury may set things back a little. Defensive depth is an issue, and there's no player than can step in right away. The closest player they have is Connor Carrick, who is most likely remaining in Plymouth this season. Patrick Wey will need a year in the AHL before he's considered ready, and Madison Bowey is still a project that needs time in Kelowna.
Prediction: 5th in the Metropolitan Division
The Capitals finally have the Ovechkin that can take over games, but the lack of defensive depth and an ongoing goaltending battle may do more to derail Washington's hopes for another playoff berth.
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