Here’s the latest weekly update for the Washington Capitals. This week marked the trade deadline, resulting in three players being traded to other teams. Despite these changes, the remaining players are determined to push for a playoff spot.
According to recent projections by Ineffective Math, the Capitals currently have a 21.1% chance of making the playoffs. With 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Capitals find themselves in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division after Saturday’s games, trailing fourth place by one point and third place by five points.
Additionally, they are just five points away from securing the top Wild Card spot, and only three points behind the second Wild Card position. Looking ahead, the Capitals will embark on a road trip through the Canadian Plains and the Pacific Northwest. Stay tuned for further updates on their journey from March 3rd to 9th.
Here’s the latest Washington Capitals weekly update for March 3-9, focusing on trades made before the trade deadline and player movements:
Trade Deadline Recap:
– General Manager Brian MacLellan orchestrated three trades this week before the trade deadline, prioritizing future assets.
– Despite rumors swirling around certain players, some notable Capitals remained with the team. Forwards Nic Dowd and Max Pacioretty, as well as goaltender Charlie Lindgren, were not traded. Each of them is set to become a free agent this offseason.
– Additionally, the Capitals secured defenseman Rasmus Sandin with a significant 5-year contract extension worth $4.6 million annually until 2029.
Trade Details:
1. Anthony Mantha, the Capitals’ second-leading goal scorer at the time, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. Washington retained 50% of his cap hit and received draft picks for Round 2 in 2024 and Round 4 in 2026.
2. Joel Edmundson was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a Round 3 pick in 2024 and a Round 5 pick in 2025. Similar to Mantha’s deal, the Capitals retained 50% of Edmundson’s salary.
3. The final trade involved sending Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes, with Washington receiving a 3rd Round draft pick for the 2025 draft.
– MacLellan effectively transformed three players over 27, the NHL’s average age from all rosters, into five picks in the next three drafts, significantly bolstering the Capitals’ future prospects. The Capitals now own a total of 26 picks in the next three years.
The Washington Capitals played three games this week, accumulating four points. Despite a 5-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday, the Capitals outscored their opponents 12-6 overall during the week, with three of their goals coming on power plays.
Hendrix Lapierre showcased his scoring prowess by netting goals in consecutive games, both of which resulted in victories where the Capitals also scored on power plays. Goalie Charlie Lindgren impressed by going over 130 minutes without conceding a goal and has been the starting goalie since February 27th.
Additionally, Alex Ovechkin climbed to the top 15 in all-time regular season points, currently tied with Mark Recchi for 14th place.
On Sunday, the Capitals stumbled against the Arizona Coyotes for the second time this season. Despite preparing with footage from December, the Capitals found themselves trailing by two goals in the first half of the game. Despite a power play goal by Sonny Milano, the Capitals struggled to gain momentum against the Coyotes, ultimately losing 5-2.
However, the Capitals quickly bounced back. After three days off and trading Anthony Mantha to Vegas, they faced the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team with a similar season trajectory. The Capitals dominated the game, scoring six goals to secure a 6-0 victory. Lindgren’s exceptional performance included 39 saves for his fourth shutout of the season.
In their next game against the NHL-last Chicago Blackhawks, the Capitals continued their winning streak with a 4-1 victory. Hendrix Lapierre and Michael Sgarbossa scored early in the game, giving the Capitals a comfortable lead. Sonny Milano’s goal in the second period extended the lead, with the Blackhawks managing only one goal in the third period.
Regarding injuries, all three players currently sidelined have shown progress. Martin Fehervary, T.J. Oshie, and Nic Dowd participated in Saturday’s morning skate wearing regular jerseys, although none are yet ready to return to play. Coach Spencer Carbery announced that all three players will travel with the team on their upcoming road trip to the west.
