The Washington Capitals sit right behind the Tampa Bay Lightning as they hold the number two spot in the Southeast division of the Eastern Conference. Newly acquired players such as Jason Arnott, Marco Sturm, and Dennis Wideman could be the key for the Capitals to finally make a trip to the Stanley Cup. Arnott will add depth as he comes to the team with experience and size. Arnott will gear up right away after the trade deadline had closed on Monday. Jason Arnott was placed on the second line with Brooks Laich and Alexander Semin in his first game as a Capital on Tuesday evening against the New York Islanders. The Capitals are 34-20 as they head into March and April for a few games before the playoffs start.
There have been ups and downs during the 2011 campaign for the Washington Capitals. The Capitals started out the season very strong but hit a fork in the road when they found themselves on a seven game losing streak. This losing streak has been the worst steak since Bruce Boudreau took over as Head Coach. Despite the loses, the Capitals had to overcome some adversity. They turned things around and headed into the Winter Classic with some confidence. The Winter Classic was held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Capitals came into the game with a chip on their shoulders after losing to the Penguins in overtime just a few previous weeks before. As 68,000 cheered for the teams the Capitals came out on top with a 3-1 win. A playoff like atmosphere the Capitals prevailed and beat the previous Stanley Cup Champions from 2009.
As the Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov is still day-to-day, the Caps have been relying on Michal Neuvirth to mind the nets. Neuvirth has been playing exceptionally well as Varlamov has not been at a full 100 % all season. Mike Green is still out with an injury as well. The Capitals will need to be healthy in order to make a run in the playoffs. If the Caps want to go further in the playoffs they will have to rely on veteran players as well as good coaching. Boudreau has led the Capitals to post season births in every year since he has taken over the reigns.
The Washington Capitals will have to have a successful run in March as well as a short stand in April as the playoffs begin. The Capitals will close out the regular season in Florida when they play the Panthers in a final division game.
For more information visit www.capitals.nhl.com.