New System Starting to Bear Fruit?

Well, the Capitals made their annual father-son trip down to Sunny Florida, and again it was a huge success winning both games in the extra session. The Caps are a different breed of team this year. While last year's team was a frontal assault version with offense being their main weapon, this year's team has a new look with a more responsible defensive system, and with rare exception the Caps are winning low scoring games usually decided by one goal. While the Caps offense and power play have struggled mightily this year, the penalty kill has become one of the Caps strengths with the team in the top five in killing off penalties. While Boudreau and management believes the new system is necessary after being ousted in the first round of the playoffs the last couple of years, he and the team have to get it done in the playoffs this year, or they will likely be looking at some significant changes in the system off the ice as well as on.

Heading into the Stretch Drive

With a little over a month to go, the Capitals hope to build some momentum and consistency heading into the playoffs. While the Capitals have improved defensively, the offense has been mediocre for most of the season, and if not for a good start, the Capitals would be fighting for a playoff position, as they have barely played .500 hockey since December. The last two games are prime examples, as it took a last minute goal with an extra man on the ice to keep from getting shutout for the 10th time this year. Yes, they won in overtime on a highlight goal from Ovechkin that have been all too rare this year, but they could have just as easily been shut out again. Thursday was similar in that the Caps fell behind the lowly Blues but were able to catch and overtake them in the 3rd period. While the Caps may be able to coast for a couple of periods against teams like the Islanders and Blues, the likelihood of them being able to win with 20 minute hockey against teams such as the Flyers, Bruins and other quality teams is doubtful. If the Caps are going to go far into the playoffs they need to rediscover their offense. While the addition of Jason Arnott will definitely help the offense, whether it will be enough to jump start a struggling offense remains to be seen.