How bout them Caps?

[DavidM]

Probably the worst defense that's going to make the playoffs... and no, I'm not just hating. They're tied for 16th in GA and they didn't really do anything to improve defense. Shultz is horrible and Green is Gonchar, but scores less. The offense can score, but they'll need to constantly outscore their defense throughout the playoffs. The offense has a few off games and they'll be in trouble.

While obviously it would have been nice to get a strong blueliner I think people are hate on the Caps D a lot more than they should. Sure we give up a lot of goals but Pittsburgh, Ottawa, and Montreal have all given up at least as many. On top of that the Caps +70 goal differential is almost 3 times as good as anyone in the east (and 4 times as good as NJ, Pitt or Buf). I know that hockey changes in the playoffs and run and gun doesn't work as well but lets not get too excited about it too fast.

The defense did improve somewhat, we added a good defensemen and a good two way center/PK guy, and were so good at even strength that improving our PK will significantly improve our GAA. You are hating a little, Schultz is the top Dman in +/- and while hes no Chara he does play pretty consistently. I dunno what you mean about Green, he's leading the league in every offensive category with 14/46/60 while having played a handful less games than the other guys.