Opening the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins set the stage for the Washington Capitals in what felt like two teams facing similar circumstances. Both are determined to rectify their 2022 seasons that ended without a playoff appearance.
With a core group of experienced players to build around, both teams are set to embark on a fiercely competitive journey to the postseason within the Metropolitan Division.
With a new head coach, Washington is hoping to turn the pages to 2023.
So, what’s the key to Washington’s turnaround?
Spencer Carbery begins his first season as coach of the Capitals, taking on the challenge of combining a tenured group of long-standing veteran players with the next generation of young talent. The challenge echoes what Barry Trotz successfully managed in 2018 en route to the Stanley Cup.
This season, however, the Capitals field one of the youngest rosters in years, with more players under 25 on the opening night roster than since 2017-2018, according to team PR.
CAPS TODAY: The Capitals' opening night roster features eight players 25-years-old or younger. The eight players aged 25 or younger are the most on a Capitals’ first game roster since 2017-18. Read more about the team’s recently announced roster here: https://t.co/nfmCcjkD9Z pic.twitter.com/VuHxFcBOgJ
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 11, 2023
Carbery’s task this season involves balancing the utilization of young players in key positions while getting the most out of the team’s veterans.
Injuries took a toll on the Capitals last season, dashing all hopes of a postseason run. Staying healthy will be pivotal to shaping the team’s destiny over the next 82 games. Keeping key players like TJ Oshie, John Carlson, Alex Ovechkin, Nicholas Backstrom, and Tom Wilson on the ice will be crucial for fostering team chemistry and building momentum throughout the season.
Keep an eye on Connor McMichael on the offensive front this season for Washington. The former first-round pick is set to join forces with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson on the second line, and, coming off a Calder Cup win with the Hershey Bears, he’s expected to make an impact as the season progresses.
On the defensive front, the Capitals enter the season with a trio of young former first-round picks: Alexander Alexeyev, Rasmus Sandin, and Lucas Johansen. They join former All-Star defenseman John Carlson and fellow defenseman Nick Jensen, who is entering his sixth season with the team.
While the specifics are bound to evolve throughout the season, the challenge for the 2023-2024 squad remains consistent. Maximizing the contributions of veteran players, staying injury-free, and fostering production from the rising young talent will undoubtedly shape a
bright future in the months ahead.