Hello World!
The powers here asked me to pen a Caps blog. A little bit about me: I am not a professional writer or insider, I am just a Caps fan who loves this site and more importantly loves hockey. I work full-time by day and play beer league by night. I grew up in Rockville, MD but now live out in Colorado and still manage to catch every Caps game (5pm puck drops mountain time are friggin awesome).
For today, I will play some catchup and just quickly recap some preseason expectations.
All right, let’s do this!
Preseason Odds (Based off OddsShark):
Metropolitan Division:
1. Washington Capitals (+350)
T2. Carolina Hurricanes (+500)
T2. Pittsburgh Penguins (+500)
T4. Philadelphia Flyers (+700)
T4. New York Islanders (+700)
T6. New York Rangers (+800)
T7. New Jersey Devils (+800)
8. Columbus Blue Jackets (+1200)
My Prediction: As a former degenerate sports gambler, I’ll go with the Vegas odds and the CAPS because let’s be real, Vegas usually gets it right. Caps win the division with 106 points and Second Place to Carolina at 104 points.
Why Vegas is Right: The Caps have won their division 9 out the last 12 seasons dating back to the 2007-2008 season. That is an insane stat if you think about it. No one expected them to win the Metro last year after how hard they partied to celebrate winning the cup. I expect a yuge year from Holtby who is in the final year of his deal. More on that another time.
Why Vegas is Wrong: The margin for error is razor thin. You could make a valid argument why every other team has a real shot at winning the division. I am sure those arguments each have some truths to them, some more than others. If the Islanders can get that close last year, anyone can.
Stanley Cup Odds: Washington Capitals (+1600) - 8th best odds in the preseason.
My Prediction: The Caps beat the Knights in the Stanley Cup in Six Games. Did you think I wasn’t going to pick them?!
Why I am Right: Braden Holtby has the 6th best save percentage of all-time for the playoffs at 0.928%. Holtbeast!!! The Capitals have lots of playoff experience. Since 2007-2008, they have only missed the playoffs one year (thanks Adam Oates). Some key guys like Ovi, Backstrom, Carlson, and Holtby have battled together through it all. This experience is crucial. In addition, the Capitals return a top 10 power play unit. If Holtby can continue his great numbers in the postseason, they will have a strong chance.
Why I am Wrong: The Capitals have only been past the second round of the playoffs once in the Ovechkin era. Facts are facts, this team is really good at regular season hockey but traditionally underperforms and chokes in the playoffs. The third and fourth lines are big questions marks. New guys such as Panik, Leipsic, and Hathaway are all unproven for the Caps.
These lines are critical for a deep run. Looks at the Colorado Avalanche last year, all they had was that top line and it showed. Remember what the HBK from Pittsburgh did to Caps and the rest of the league back in 2016? That line basically won them the Cup.
Thanks for reading and more to come soon!
Brian S.
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