5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the Washington Capitals This Offseason

By Nick Villano

Washington Capitals Issues

Braden Holtby — The Washington Capitals made some of the biggest splashes this offseason by signing Justin Williams and trading for T.J. Oshie. Right wing was one of their weaker positions, and now they have two legit choices as their No. 1. They also re-signed goalie Braden Holtby, among other moves. They are looking to win it all this year. What issues could hold them back?

5. Stay Out Of Penalty Box

Alex Ovechkin Penalty

5. Stay Out Of Penalty Box

5. Stay Out Of Penalty Box — The Washington Capitals were in the top five for most minor penalties in the league. That is a more concrete showing of how often they go down a man. This is not usual for a team led by Barry Trotz. They were able to overcome it last season, but this season they should try not to put their defense in that position.

4. Need More Shots

Alex Ovechkin Shooting

4. Need More Shots

4. Need More Shots — The Washington Capitals were 20th in the league in shots per game. Despite that, they were sixth in the league in goals per game. They cannot continue to take less than 30 shots per game if they are going to be an offensive powerhouse.

3. Alex Ovechkin's Olympic Comments

Alex Ovechkin's Olympic Comments

3. Alex Ovechkin's Olympic Comments

Alex Ovechkin's Olympic Comments — Alex Ovechkin talked about how he was going to the next Winter Olympics no matter what the NHL decides about letting its players go. That will add fuel to the fire that Ovechkin is thinking about pulling an Ilya Kovalchuk, which he has denied on every occassion. There isn't a ton to these comments, but they will cause a headache for the team when they return. The media will repeatedly ask teammates and coaches trying to get a headline.

2. Overcoming Playoff Woes

Overcoming Playoff Woes

2. Overcoming Playoff Woes

Overcoming Playoff Woes — Since the Capitals drafted Alexander Ovechkin over a decade ago, they have never been out of the second round of the playoffs. They were once again close this season, going up 3-1 on the New York Rangers, but they blew it from there. Bringing in Williams will only help, but the rest of this team needs to have a short memory.

1. Nicklas Backstrom's Health

Nicklas Backstrom's Health

1. Nicklas Backstrom's Health

Nicklas Backstrom's Health — Nicklas Backstrom has been unable to train this offseason thanks to hip surgery he had to have after the season. It is starting to look like he will miss the beginning of the season recovering. He says the surgery went well, but hips are hard to recover from. We have seen this before where a hip issue ends up derailing a career. Hopefully for the Caps, he can come into the season 100 percent and contribute just as much as last season.

Teams in this article »

Washington Capitals

Share On Facebook

Share