Capitals Look to Left Wing Firepower

The Washington Capitals will look for goals from the left wing this season as the team tries to improve on last year's point total. We've already examined Washington's strength through the middle, now let's take a look at the players manning the left side of the ice.

The top left winger is free agent acquisition Zigmund Palffy. The 5-10, 182 pounder is a great skater with great speed. He passes the puck like a star, is a great puckhandler, and can score goals with the best of them. His offensive prowess adds a new dimension to the Washington attack, and everyone is expecting great things from him. Last season Ziggy scored 27 goals and added 34 assists in 75 games. He has all the potential to put up even better numbers with the Capitals this year.

Currently slated for the second line left wing spot is veteran Mikael Renberg. The 33-year-old Swede is a great passer and puckhandler. While not expected to score a ton on his own, Renberg can dish the puck and create a lot of goals for his teammates. Last year he had 15 goals and 38 assists in 78 games.

The third line slot goes to youngster Frantisek Lukes, 23. Another speed demon on the left, Lukes has the potential to move up and play on either of the top two lines as well. Along with his blazing speed, he's a very good skater with a good shot and nose for the goal. Frantisek scored 15 goals and handed out 19 assists in 50 games last season.

While the team expects to play with just three left wingers, one more player has a good chance to crack the lineup. Ivan Rachunek, 24, came to the team during the off season in a trade with the Red Wings. A great skater with good speed, intensity, and strength, Ivan will likely start on the farm, but with his good passing and scoring touch he could definitely crack the lineup.

For the Capitals to succeed this season, the left wing group must step up and supply the fire power. Will they? We don't know yet, but we will soon enough.