Previewing the Washington Capitals offense
WHERE’S THE POWER?
• Many of the same players have been on the Capitals’ power play for a few years now, and yet results have declined. Here’s a look at the decrease in production:
Season|PPG | Pct. Rank
2008-09 | 85 | 25.2 | 2nd
2009-10 | 57 | 25.2 | 1st
2010-11 | 46 | 17.5 | 16th
EYES ON PLAYOFFS
• The Caps’ offseason involved moves all pointing toward April, May and June. Here are some notable playoff numbers for new additions and old favorites:
Gms | Gls | Asts | +/-
Troy Brouwer (2010 Blackhawks) 19 | 4 | 4 | -1
Joel Ward (2011 Predators) 12 | 7 | 6 | +4
Alex Ovechkin (2009 Capitals) 14 | 11 | 10 | +10
Nicklas Backstrom (2010 Capitals) 7 | 5 | 4 | +7
SCORING DEPTH
• Coach Bruce Boudreau’s idea is to spread scoring out on all four lines. Combinations will get juggled around, but here are the regular-season goals from last season for each player:
Alex Ovechkin (32) – Marcus Johansson (13) – Troy Brouwer (17) – Line total: 62
Alexander Semin (28) – Nicklas Backstrom (18) – Mike Knuble (24) – Line total: 70
Jason Chimera (10) – Brooks Laich (16) – Joel Ward (10) – Line total: 36
Matt Hendricks (9) – Jeff Halpern (11) – Jay Beagle (2*) – Line total: 22
*In 31 NHL games. Scored 8 in 34 AHL games.
• Stephen Whyno can be reached at swhyno@washingtontimes.com.
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