For many hockey fans, 2017 was the year for the Washington Capitals to capture their first Stanley Cup.
Led by Captain Alex Ovechkin and Swedish superstar Nicklas Backstrom, the team also had ridiculous depth which included Evgeny Kuztnetsov, John Carlson, T.J. Oshie, and deadline acquisition Kevin Shattenkirk. But as the story goes, they once again well to the Pittsburgh Penguins in dramatic seven-game fashion.
While the organization was able to re-sign some of its stars, others such as Shattenkirk and long-time Cap Marcus Johansson were sent packing. Additionally, rising defenceman Nate Schmidt was also snagged by the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft.
There are now holes in the Capitals’ lineup and their depth doesn't seem as strong as what it once was. Ovechkin doesn’t appear to be too concerned though, which was evident when he was asked about the team's current standing.
Classic Ovy.
While there’s reason for Washington fans to be concerned, ‘The Great 8' raises a good point. If you compare the Capitals' top players and depth to other franchises around the league, they clearly stand out amongst the rest.
As Ovechkin nears the end of his prime, there is pressure for the team to capture a Cup and silence their critics once and for all. Will 2018 be the year?
(H/T r/Hockey)
