Looking At The Devils Competition in the Metropolitan Division
By Jim Finelli
Washington Capitals
2013-14 Season Stats: 38-30-14, 90 points & 5th in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: F Chris Conner, D Matt Niskanen, D Brooks Orpik, G Justin Peters
Key Subtractions: F Mikhail Grabovski, G Jaroslav Halak, D Tyson Strachan
What to Expect: After just missing the playoffs, Washington was determined to spend the summer getting the players needed to improve. Making headlines this off-season, the Capitals brought in major names in Niskanen and Orpik, but that does not promise success. Niskanen thrived on a potent offensive team, and the contract that brought in Orpik has been highly criticized. Also, letting Halak leave and trusting Holtby with the starting role may be risky as he has not been a consistent net minder for the last two seasons. The Caps have made the moves this off-season, but were they the right ones?
Prediction: 7th in the Metropolitan Division