Capitals in an Interesting Spot After Unexpected Playoff Appearance

The Caps weren't supposed to make the playoffs this year, but they did. Can they do it again?
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[@kaiuche8640]

Part of me wants the capitals to make the playoffs again next year just so certain fans get salty about it again

[@gabrielrockman]

Protas, McMichael, and Sandin don't fall into the 22 and under "young" players, but they're still young enough to be part of the Capitals' long-term plans and they've got a long time until we can start calling them older players.

[@Meh661]

Between the capitals and penguins rivalry. Washington is a step ahead. They have the older players but have prospects as well.

[@avcc8825]

Capitals will probably undergo a small rebuild after ovi retires

[@utubehokie181]

Caps are definitely overdue for some sort of a rebuild. But, I'm willing to delay it and even sacrifice making the playoffs for Ovi to pass Gretzky's record.

[@markeiben409]

Really hope Ovi can rebound just for next season and get the 42 goals or whatever it is so that the org can have a clear view about how to proceed. I think it's on hold until it's resolved.

[@rkooutanowhere7335]

Leonard, Suzdalev, Crystall to name a few on the way along with, McMichael, Lapierre and Protas showing they belong looks good

[@stephenstill9487]

All season long, you'd say "The wheels will come off" the Caps. They kept the wheels on into the playoffs. I think Carbery gets credit for motivating a mixed lineup. You've counted them out for next season, but I havent.

[@jsullivan5823]

I just wanna see Ovi get the goals record

[@puckfittsburgh5539]

Backstrom, per the GM, won't play again, so that should free up more cap space

[@jay_bells]

Love these breakdowns! Thank you!!

[@matthewoliver5653]

Please do another Ovechkin chasing Gretzky video . Also, maybe Matthews can catch too ?

[@t.sniffin3031]

Although the sweep gave the season a bitter aftertaste, I felt good about where the team is headed. Lapierre, who produced and generated offense despite averaging only 12 minutes a game, feels like he's on the cusp of breaking out as a top line center, and with Strome and McMichael, they've got a good center pole. But they need goalscorers to pass to for this team to improve. Can't wait for Ryan Leonard.

[@jonesy7425]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! 🙏🙏🙏

[@jeffzrockhistoryresource101]

The one good thing about this year...The Caps are finally bringing up some younger players. They have the best team in the AHL in Hershey. Make use of it.

[@terrywoods6516]

Rockn' that Don Beaupre sweater!

[@love4adventurz]

Washington has younger players but also lots of older players, they will have tons of cap space and I think they will have more because Kuemper gets bought out or traded. I see them as being a team that can land a few big names like Zegras, Reinhart, Marner and then sign couple depth pieces to keep the team competitive so that Ovechkin continues his chase.

[@TheConspiratorist]

Unexpected playoff appearance-fully expected first-round exit. Time to rebuild, Washington.

[@patrickpoulin8554]

People rip on Ovechkin so much for falling off this season but hes still having more of an impact than the vast majority of greats did at his age. Including people such as Howe, Gretzky and Jagr.

[@scottnance2200]

Not a teardown, but a pretty total renovation. With the possible exception of Leonard, I don't see any absolute stars among the young players, though McMichael, LaPierre, and Miroshnichenko are all legitimate NHLers. I expect them to bring in a legit top 6 forward for some scoring now. Maybe give Laine a chance to finally fulfill his potential?