2014 Training Camp: 3 Things to Watch

 Training Camp is set to start in just a couple of day, here are 3 things I will be watching.

1. Forward Line Combinations:

  Barry Trotz has a lot to work with, and recently said he is leaning toward putting Alex Ovechkin back on the left side. Which it will also be interesting to see who he puts at right wing on that line. I think that either Troy Brouwer or Eric Fehr can fit well there, though it could also be Brooks Laich. It also looks like Evgeny Kuznetzov will center the second line going into camp, that might leave Marcus Johansson to center Joel Ward and Jason Chimera.


2. Defensive Pairings:



Matt Niskanen:

  This is where I'm having trouble figuring out what the coaching staff is going to do. I don't think they will worry about lefty with a righty like Adam Oates did. Not sure that John Carlson and Karl Alzner are together this year. Also, where will Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen be paired. Maybe Orpik with Mike Green? I have no idea but we have eight preseason games to watch how thats going to play out.



3. Which Young Player will Breakout:

   This years team has a good mix of veteran guys and young bucks trying to make a name for themselves. I believe Evgeny Kuznetzov will break out this year and be a Calder Trophy candidate. It looks like he is going to center the second line to start the season but we will have to wait and see. The wild card is Andre Burakovsky, I have been hearing a lot of rave reviews on him and he will get his chance to make the team this year. I would like to also see how Tom Wilson does once he comes back from the leg injury he had during the offseason.