Close Article Return to stream X
NHL •

5 Bold Predictions for Washington Capitals 2014-2015 Season

+Read full article
Getty Images

5 Bold Predictions for Washington Capitals 2014-2015 Season

Chicago Blackhawks v Washington Capitals
Getty Images

The NHL Season is underway as the Washington Capitals will take the rink tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals had a disappointing 2013-2014 campaign, as the team missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. The result lead to a new coach and a new GM, but the star players are still intact. Here are five bold predictions for the upcoming season.

5. Braden Holtby Will Be a Top 10 Goalie This Season

Boston Bruins v Washington Capitals
Getty Images

5. Braden Holtby Will Be a Top 10 Goalie This Season

Boston Bruins v Washington Capitals
Getty Images

Holtby had a 91.5% save percentage and a 2.85 goals against average in 2013-2014, which was down from his previous season. A lot can be attributed to the Capitals' defense, which received a major upgrade in the offseason. I expect Holtby to return to his former self this year and stabilize Washington's goaltending. Since entering the NHL, only two goalies have a better 5-on-5 save percentage than Braden Holtby: Henrik Lundqvist and Tuuka Rask.

4. Andre Burakovsky Will Make an Impact as a Rookie

2013 NHL Draft - Portraits
Getty Images

4. Andre Burakovsky Will Make an Impact as a Rookie

2013 NHL Draft - Portraits
Getty Images

Burakovsky was the Capitals' first round pick (23rd overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old Swede will play center on the second line for Washington this season and has all the tools to make a difference. He has a strong wrist shot, is a good skater, and is a creative passer for his teammates.

3. Washington Wins the 2015 Winter Classic

2015 NHL Winter Classic Press Event
Getty Images

3. Washington Wins the 2015 Winter Classic

2015 NHL Winter Classic Press Event
Getty Images

One of the most exciting spectacles in all of sports comes to D.C. on New Year's Day as the Caps will battle the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015 Winter Classic. Chicago is a great team with All-Star performers, but Washington will find a way to get the win at Nationals Park.

2. Washington Returns to the Playoffs

Washington Capitals Introduce General Manager Brian MacLellan And Coach Barry Trotz
Getty Images

2. Washington Returns to the Playoffs

Washington Capitals Introduce General Manager Brian MacLellan And Coach Barry Trotz
Getty Images

The Capitals will be a new team in 2014-2015 under head coach Barry Trotz. He has brought a fresh attitude and defensive structure that the team lacked last season. Acquiring Brooks Orpik and Matt Nishkanen will vastly improve the team's defense, which was vulnerable a season ago. Trotz knows how to get the most out of his players, and this team has all the potential to make it back to the NHL Playoffs.

1. Alex Ovechkin Will Have a Positive +/- Rating This Year

Washington Capitals v Boston Bruins
Getty Images

1. Alex Ovechkin Will Have a Positive +/- Rating This Year

Washington Capitals v Boston Bruins
Getty Images

Ovechkin had a -35 rating last season, meaning that when he was on the ice, the Caps gave up 35 more goals than they scored. It was one of the worst ratings of any player in the league last year. Trotz has emphasized becoming a two-way player to Ovechkin and making an impact on both sides of the puck. As the game's best goal scorer, improving on defense will make Ovechkin even more of a threat for opposing teams.

Your Favorites