*Regular Season Finish: 2nd in Eastern Conference’*Postseason Finish: Eliminated in Eastern Conference Semifinals’
Washington, like Chicago in the West, has been one of the league’s biggest succss stories of rebuilding teams in the post-lockout era. The Capitals now boast one of the most talented groups of young offensive superstars, headlined by Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin. In the playoff series against Pittsburgh, one thing it appeared that the Capitals were lacking was a true power forward, with the physical ability to make trouble in front of opposing netminders and the hands to score when opportunities presented themselves. However, this offseason, the Caps’ first big move was to fill that hole, adding former Flyer Mike Knuble, who will likely see plenty of scoring chances playing on their first line with Ovechkin. Knuble should fit perfectly with Ovie, as he will get more than his fair share of rebounds playing with the NHL shots leader of the past two seasons.
With Sergei Fedorov leaving for Russia, the Capitals needed a 2nd line center, and found themselves a worthy candidate in Brendan Morrison. Morrison never played up to potential in Anaheim or Dallas after playing a number of solid seasons in Vancouver, but has a chance to rejuvenate his career playing with the high-octane offense in Washington. With those two acquisitions, the Capitals have already had themselves a very successful offeason, filling all visible needs, and making themselves a better team in the process.
A recent rumor that should have Caps fans buzzing is the possibility that Russian winger Nikolai Zherdev could be headed to Washington. Zherdev was recently released from New York after filing for arbitration, and would give the Capitals another ryoung sniper to add to their arsenal, should a deal be reached.