Capitals Year in Review

The Washington Capitals stuggled through an up and down season in CLUTCH season 4, but in the end an eighth place finish in the Wales Conference and a spot in the playoffs were a solid accomplishment. The team traded experience for youth several time, and the future looks bright for the franchise. Let's take a look at the season as it unfolded.

Washington struggled out of the gate to a 3-6-1 record over the first ten games, but victories over the Sharks, Canadians, and Flyers gave a glimpse at what the team could do. Jamie Langenbrunner netted two assists in the win over San Jose while Chris Pronger scored the game-winner in overtime. Tommy Salo stopped 33 shots for the victory in goal. Against the Canadians, it was the Manny Legace show as the goaltender stopped 24 shots and record an assist on the winning goal.

After a tough first 10 games, the Capitals turned it on over the next 10, going 6-2-1 and improving to 9-8-3 for the season. Victories over the Devils and Hurricanes and a tie to the Kings were the highlights. Against the Devils, youngster Jonathan Cheechoo was the hero with a goal and two assists. His goal tied the game late in the first period, and he setup Langenbrunner's game-winner late in the second. The win over the Hurricanes came thanks to fine performances from Cory Pecker, Jason Robinson, and Legace. Pecker and Robinson had a goal and assist each while Legace stopped 23 shots. Pecker had the game-winner at 14:45 of the third period. In the tie with the Kings, Pecker and Mikael Renberg had a goal and assist each. Andy Sutton added a pair of helpers.

At 9-8-3, the Capitals were above .500 and a win over the Predators in their 21st game put them to the dizzying heights of 10-8-3. It was all downhill after that, however, as the team returned to early season form and struggled to a 3-6-1 mark over the 10 game stretch. Other wins came against the Penguins and Blackhawks while the tie was against the Oilers.

After 30 games, Washington was still a respectable 12-14-4 and games 31-40 would keep the team right around .500. Victories over the Coyotes, Sharks, and the eventual champion Lightning gave the fans hope. In the 5-1 thrashing of the Coyotes, Pecker was a star with two goals and an assist. Salo also stopped 19 shots for his sixth win of the season. Legace stopped 30 shots to give the Caps a shutout win over the Sharks. The victory lifted Washington to 14-18-5. Patrick Marleau and Todd Warriner were the scorers. Legace continued his fine play in a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The goalie stopped 30 shots while Martin Gelinas, Warriner, Dan Boyle, and Alexander Korolyuk scored the goals.

Games 41-50 were not so kind to the Capitals as the team struggled to a 3-7 mark. Remarkably, the three victories call came against eventual playoff teams in the Canadians, Devils, and Stars. In the 6-3 drubbing of the Canadians, Renberg and Cheechoo scored a goal each and both added two assists. Warriner also recorded two helpers while Legace picked up his 12th victory of the season. Another strong game from Warriner helped Washington to a 3-2 win over the Devils. The winger had a goal and two assists. Artem Chubarov had the same scoreline while Renberg added a goal and assist. Legace stopped 24 shots for the win in net. Against the Stars, Dallas dominated, but goals from Nick Boynton and Cory Sarich combined with 31 saves by Legace were enough for a 2-1 victory.

At 20-25-5 after 50 games, the season was headed downhill, and it didn't improve over the next 10 games. The only good note from the 3-6-1 mark was a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders. In the game, Sarich, Warriner, and Langenbrunned all scored a goal and assisted on another to lead the team. Legace stopped 24 shots for his 15th victory. It wasn't known at the time, but victories over the Bruins and Wild in the last two games of the stretch were the start of a special run the put the Capitals right back in the playoff mix.

With just 22 games to go in the season, Washington needed to turn it on, and wins over the Maple Leafs, Rangers, Senators, and Predators capped a six-game winning streak that put the Capitals in the race for the long haul. A win over the Panthers moved Washington to 28-32-6 for the season, a record the team would only reach again once more. The 8-3 victory over the Maple Leafs was remarkable. Renberg and Boyle scored a pair of goals and added one assist each. Cheechoo added three assists. Legace was strong again in goal with 28 saves for his 18th win. Against the Panthers, Warriner scored a pair of goals while Chubarov recorded three assists and Frantisek Lukes add two.

Fighting for their playoff lives over the last 12 games, it wasn't always pretty, but the team did just enough to make the postseason. Wins over the Coyotes, Rangers, Canucks, and Red Wings made it possible despite the team losing five of their last seven games.

A final record of 33-42-7--73 wasn't great, but it got the job done. The Capitals entered the postseason 45 points behind the Lightning and it was Tampa Bay that the team would face in the first round of the playoffs.

Few gave the Capitals any chance against the Lightning, but the team did manage to force the series to six games by winning two. Chubarov, Marleau, Langenbrunner, Pecker, and Warriner all scored a pair of goals in the postseason. Cheechoo led the team in scoring with a goal and four assists. Legace was solid in net with a .899 save percentage.

Washington is looking forward to a busy offseason and the chance to sign a free agent or two. With over $40 million in the bank and lots of salary cap room, the Capitals expect to be players for any free agents that will fit in with the growing team.

Langenbrunner led the side with 66 points in season 4, and he should have a chance to lead the way in season 5 as well. New arrival Peter Tenkrat (33-31--64), Cheechoo (19-34--53), Warriner (19-34--53), Renberg (15-38--53), Marleau (17-26--43), Chubarov (16-26--42), and Lukes (9-13--22 in 22 games) are the top offensive threats on the current roster.

In goal, Legace will look to improve on his fine play from season 4 in season 5. His record of 27-21-6 with a 2.97 GAA and .894 save percentage ranked among the league's best. Considering the suspect defense he plays in front of, it was a remarkable season for the netminder.

The future is bright in Washington, and exciting times are ahead.