Another Writer Tabs the Caps for Tops in the Southeast

The Caps come into this season with high expectations from fans, experts, and the organization itself. Add Jared Book from MVN's Outsider to the growing list of people expecting big things. He has the Caps repeating as Southeast champs, this time by a wider margin. They "have the talent to finish 3rd based on points, not just because they win their division." I don't know if I'd go that far, but they certainly have the potential to crack the 5-spot on points alone.

It will be really interesting to see how the Caps perform with a whole season of Boudreau behind the bench. Can they keep up the pace they had under him last season for a full schedule? Or do they go through a few slumps and finish in roughly the same spot they did last season? Bottom line is they will take the division either way and earn the 3 seed in the East.

And about that Ovechkin guy, this is what Book has to say:

Alexander Ovechkin is my favourite player in the National Hockey League. Not for his eccentric personality or his fantastic array of skill, but because he isn’t just a scorer. He stands up for himself, he stands up for his teammates and plays with an edge that we’re starting to see from this new wave of Russians and Europeans coming to the NHL...No matter what you do, you will not stop him, and that’s why him doing most of the scoring on this Washington team doesn’t concern me. You can do anything you want to him, and short of taking off his skates or locking him in the dressing room, he will get his points. There aren’t many players you can say that about in the league.

Heck, even a broken nose doesn't stop the guy.

This season's roster brings together the solid blend of talented youngsters, poised veterans, and skilled role players required to help carry the team deep into the playoffs. Now it's up to them to fulfill expectations.

Joe Dumas 11:30 PM

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