This entry was written by DCist contributor Jesse Rounds
The Washington Capitals are done for the season. The team finished the last week of play by going 3-1 with wins against Florida, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta. The Capitals were expected to finish at the bottom of the NHL this season, and by finishing with the third worst record in the league, the team certainly lived up to those expectations.
On the other hand the Caps surprised in a number of areas. In goal, Olaf Kolzig, nearing the end of amazing career, was steady and even brilliant for stretches. More impressive, if only because it was unexpected, was backup netminder Brent Johnson’s consistent work in goal.
The pundits expected the defense to be the weak link for the team and it lived up to the expectations. However, there were some bright spots. Shaone Morrisonn was impressive for a young defenseman. Steve Eminger has a couple of years under his belt and may have finally grown into an NHL defenseman this season. Another good sign for the Caps is Mike Green and the other young defenseman serving time in Hershey with the Capitals AHL affiliate. With the addition of some veteran blue-liners to take the place of Brendan Witt, the Caps have a chance at a solid, if not spectacular, defense next season.
(AP Photo taken by Chris O’Meara)
