Washington Capitals Full 2023-2024 Schedule

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1. 

   Captain Phil Martin

   October 12, 2023

   Would love to see some insightful discussion about the upcoming games- predictions analysis and expectations. Both Pittsburgh and Washington left their top 6 largely untouched buts shook up their bottom 6. Washington elected to lean toward youth and Pittsburgh signed known talent that was much older. So while Washington got quicker, stronger and perhaps more offensive with their bottom 6 Pittsburgh is more experienced stable and more of a two-way group. Perhaps the biggest difference maker is on the blue line where Pittsburgh traded for one of the best offensive defenders in the NHL. This would appear on paper to give them a huge advantage over Washington however it also makes them perhaps more vulnerable to giving up more odd-man rushes and allowing the opposition to gain more frequent net-front presence and high-danger shots could negate some of the advantage of having one of the most talented one-way defenders. And the jury is still out on how Washington’s exchanging Orlon’s physical defense for a younger faster more offensive Sandin will impact the blue line. I expect that Pittsburgh will struggle in their early games and that Washington will use their added quickness to out score Pittsburgh in this first game. Injuries will determine the future of both teams as they, still remain among the oldest teams in the NHL.
   The Calgary Flames will not be facing Orlon Hathaway or Eller and so some of the physicality and toughness may give them a better chance against Washington than they have enjoyed in the past. Again though the added youth, speed and quickness may provide Washington with an element of energy they have lacked and allow for them to get off to quicker starts and be stronger in the third period than they have in the past. Much will be determined in these first few weeks as new teammates develop a chemistry.

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