The Washington Capitals have been steadily rebuilding since drafting superstar Alexander Ovechkin a few years back. Last year, Bruce Boudreau took the reins as head coach midway through the season, and helped turn the team into a playoff contender. After being knocked out in the first round by Philadelphia, Washington will be looking for better success in the upcoming season.
After losing Cristobal Huet to the Chicago Blackhawks and Olaf Kolzig to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Capitals made a gamble on Jose Theodore. At 31, Theodore has had some impressive years, but has also struggled at times. If Theodore can play conistently well, the Capitals have a team capable of riding his success.
Resigning Mike Green, Sergei Fedorov and Brooks Laich keep some of the main pieces in place for Washington. Although physical winger Matt Cooke was picked up by Pittsburgh, Donald Brashear is still in town to make sure that Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom are all well protected.
