Defense Key to Capitals' Success

While the Washington Capitals showcase a strong goaltender and depth at the forward positions, the key to a successful season lies with the defense. Keep the other team off the board and good things happen, give up too many goals and it will be a long season.

The backbone to Washington's defensive corps is free agent acquisition Rob Blake. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Blake brings a huge physical presence to the blueline, but he's also a fast and strong skater. A defender with excellent discipline and good endurance and durabilit, Blake is very good in his own end and his strong passing and puck control let him contribute on the offensive end as well. Rob will surely see lots of minutes and play in all situations for the Capitals. Last season Blake scored 11 goals and dished our 34 assists in 73 games. He also doled out 182 hits with 0 PIMs.

Next up on the blueline is 6-4 and 230 pound monster Sheldon Souray, a combination of intensity, strength, puck control, and offensive skill. He's no the most durable or disciplined, but he can handle himself well at both ends of the ice. Last season Souray had four goals and 11 assists in 75 games. He also had 108 hits and 161 PIMs.

The No. 3 man on defense is two-way threat Dan Boyle. He's not the biggest player at 5-11 and 190 pounds, but he can still handle himself in the physical game and he's an excellent passer. Boyle also skates well and plays a strong game at both ends of the ice. After missing time due to a contract holdout last season, Dan netted nine goals and 17 assists with 87 hits in 60 games.

Rounding out the top four on defense is 6-3, 193 pound, Cory Sarich. Cory plays a strong defensive game with good speed and very good strength. He also has good endurance and great durability. Sarich can move the puck and chip in with the offensive game as well. He needs to work on his discipline to make it to the next level, but he's still a top four blueliner. Sarich also missed time last year in a contract holdout, but after returning he scored 11 goals and handed out 22 assists with 81 hits in 58 games.

The top four are certainly the key to the defense, but five through seven will also play an important role. We'll take a look at the rest of the blueline corps in another installment of the Capitals Report.