Michael Nylander

Washington Capitals Hockey

It seems that Michael Nylander has been a big disappointment this time around for the Caps. Last year he was injured and it was pretty much a lost season. This year a lot more was expected from him and he just hasn't put up the kind of numbers that he did with the Rangers back in 2005 and 2006 when he scored 23 and 27 goals and had career numbers with 79 and 83 points. Most of that had to do with the fact that he played on a line with Jagr and they seemed to have a great chemistry together that both seem to miss. While Nylander has been in Boudreau's doghouse a couple of times this year, at one time being sat down for four games straight, Nylander is the kind of veteran that can really make a difference in the upcoming playoffs. He has the ability to maneuver with the puck like few forwards, and can score when he decides to shoot. One of the problems is that he hasn't shot a whole lot this year, and his scoring percentage is also down. Still, I wouldn't be surprised to see a different Nylander in the playoffs, and if he plays like the Nylander of the Ranger years, all of his regular season struggles will be forgiven.

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