The Caps have had an eventful season so far. Started slow with a 10-10-4 record and looked like they would have trouble staying in the playoff race. However, they were able to come together and go into the All-Star break with a 24-13-9 record with 57 points. They are tied with the Bruins in the Wild Card and 7 points up on Florida for the last playoff spot. However, they are within striking distance of the Rangers (2 points behind) and Pittsburgh (3 points behind).
If the Caps are to make the postseason they will have to continue to grow as a team under Barry Trotz. They went on a great run but went 0-2-1 in their last 3 games before the All-Star break. Though they have played well they will need to get back to work. Big games in Columbus and at home against the Pens await the the Caps tomorrow and Wednesday. It will be very important to accumulate points now.
Another question is will Brian MacLellan make a move at the trade deadline? They will have to decide what they want to do with Mike Green who has played well this season but should garner interest from other teams. The Caps have been linked to Carolina Hurricanes forward Juri Tlusty, however that is just a rumor. Barry Trotz did say he thought the team might need another piece or two to become a serious contender.
I believe that Barry Trotz is changing the culture of this franchise, I have not been this excited about a coach in a long time. Now it is going to be a tough last couple months of the season, but I believe this team will make the playoffs. That is all they need to do is get into the dance because I think this team is built to give someone a fight in a postseason series. If Braden Holtby continues his breakout season then the Caps maybe on their way to surprising some people.
Other Notes:
*Congrats to Philip Grubauer, Tim Kennedy, and Connor Carrick for representing the Hershey Bears in the AHL All-Star game.
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