Thursday, September 27, 2007

NHL Season Preview: Washington Capitals

Today brings us the last of our 30 team previews over at FanHouse, and it's my take on the 2007-08 Caps (it's set to publish at 10:00 this morning, but y'all can take a gander at it now as my personal V.I.P. readers).

It's lengthy and optimistic - go bold or go home, right? - so check it out when you've got some time and don't be afraid to represent, as the kids say, in the comments.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

The article has Ovechkin's goal total from last year at 48 but TSN lists 46 goals, 46 assists. Typo??

JP said...

Corrected - thanks for the heads up.

Anonymous said...

You're welcome. Good read. I would have thought a mention of Boumedienne's role as a secondary PP point-man. I remember some good play by him several seasons ago. His return is still the most baffling offseason move in my opinion.

JP said...

I threw in a little more on Boomer.

With the LDN reporting that the Caps are expected to break camp with 8 defensemen, it clears things up a bit from a roster-perspective (Schultz perhaps being the only cut), but it certainly muddies the waters up front a bit more, as it leaves only three roster spots open (including the healthy scratch) for Sutherby, Clymer, Bradley, Laich and Steckel.

Abhinav said...

What's the roster size limit? And is it broken down at all by position (i.e. max of 2 goalies, 10 forwards, etc.)?

JP said...

The limit is 23 players (not counting guys on IR), and so long as you can ice a team, there's no breakdown.

Typically, teams will keep 2-3 goalies, 12-14 forwards and 6-8 defenseman on the roster. The Caps will obviously either go 2-13-8 or 2-14-7.

Unknown said...

I'd bet $1 that one of those forwards comes down with a devastating injury in the next few days. Like a debilitating eyelash in his eye or something.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting that Eastern Conference Champions video. I saw that a year or two ago and loved it. Great memories.

Anonymous said...

quite a contrast from that no-talent AC, Hradek, who picked the Caps LAST in the division. :-)