How bout them Caps?

[damnit458]

I agree to an extent. Yes, the Caps probably had a slim chance of winning the cup that year, but the team had been rebuilding for 5 or so years, and I think there is something to be said for giving your fans some hope. A second round pick in the scheme of things is not to much to give up for a goalie (that at the time they thought they had a chance of resigning). Plus, I'm pretty sure Mcphee's draft history hasn't been that good past the first round. Carlson, Alzner, Varlamov etc were all drafted in the first round (although I think Neuvirth might have been a second).

I in no way think the Caps have a strong defense. I'd break down their D as follows:
Green - 1st pairing Dman
Sarge - Solid 2nd pairing Dman
Poti - Solid 2nd pairing Dman
Morrison - Fringe 2nd pairing, 3rd pairing Dman
Pothier - Fringe 2nd pairing, 3rd pairing Dman
Erskine - 3rd pairing Dman
Sloan - Should be in Hershey

They have depth at the 5/6 Dman spot, but they really only have 1 true number one Dman, and with Sarge playing with Green they really only have one true 2nd pairing Dman. Don't even get me started about playing Alzner/Carlson. I think both are better than any of Erskine/Sloan/Morrison, but I think the Caps stance has been clear on what their role is this year.

Now, if we somehow picked up Hamhuis or Seidenberg, I would be A LOT more confident going into the playoffs with the following:

Green-Schultz
Poti-Hamhuis/Seidenberg
Pothier-Erskine/Morrison