2013-14 record: 38-30-14 (90 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Alexander Oveckin
It's one thing to be disappointing in the playoffs. It's another to actually miss the playoffs, and that is something the Washington Capitals did after many seasons of never finishing at or above expectations in the Alexander Ovechkin-era. That led to the ax job on the General Manager and head coaching jobs, meaning George McPhee and Adam Oates were let go, and in their places would be Brian MacLellan and Barry Trotz.
Offensive depth remains an issue, but a large part of the their offense still goes through Ovechkin, who scored 51 goals en route to a Rocket Richard Trophy. Still, it didn't cover up his -35 rating, and worse yet, it also exposed the lack of depth on the blue line, as well as some issues with the old coaching regime's tactics. To that end, Trotz was brought in, and he brings a solid defensive pedigree with him. For depth, Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik were brought in, which should at worst, provide the Capitals with six solid defensemen. Up front, Evgeny Kuznetsov finally gets the opportunity to show what he can do, and if he plays well, he will provide the Capitals with that elusive second line center they've been needing for years behind Niklas Backstrom. Braden Holtby would like a refund on last season, but he is now the unquestioned starter, which should improve his confidence.
Prediction: 5th in the Metropolitan Division
The Capitals got better defensively, but everything is still on Ovechkin's stick, for better or for worse. Everyone that was ahead of the Capitals in the division last season improved save for the Flyers, which means it will be tough sledding for the Capitals to make the playoffs once again.
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