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Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
Mar 28, 2026 at 12:34 PM ET
Man, oh, man. The parity in the NHL is insane. So many games now are
basically playoff games. Flyers versus Red Wings tonight is crucial. Caps have Vegas. I can't do the math, but I'm thinking Caps have to come close to winning out to make it. Looking at those 2 Penguins games at the end...oh, the misery, if they finish us off, ha.

18 Replies

O
OrlandoHokie
4mo
The Caps were really hurt by the Dubois injury.
It happens. The Caps are just going to miss the playoffs but the future looks good with Leonard and Hutson and Cristall and young Protas coming.
capitals1 capitals1
4mo
Their lack of center depth is one problem
They don't have a true 1c. At least half the teams in the league don't. Strome is ok but he is a 2c. Dubois is borderline 2c. He doesn't score enough. Backy and peak Kuzy..they are a far cry from them. This is what it takes to win a Cup I read blogs with fans saying get top 6 forwards, maybe a center. Lol. They do not grow on trees. Failure in Caps drafting over the years. I do agree there are some young prospects that seem promising. So the future could be brighter. Unfortunately the brightest prospects are not centers.
6
6GHokie
4mo
Ilya Protas is a center
Whether he stays there in NHL remains to be seen. I’m more concerned about defense. I think Leonard, Sourdif, and Hutson will be good puck movers with some more experience, which they’ve been lacking. Need a strong finisher at wing and some muscle and grit on defense.
Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
4mo
I love the youth, but Hutson's size as a defenseman is pretty alarming.
I think he is like 5'11/170? He looks like he could be a great weapon on the power play though, for sure. That Hershey farm system just keeps cranking them out. Love it.
Beerman Beerman
4mo
Hutson hasn't played a single minute for Hershey
Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
4mo
Excellent observation. So what?
capitals1 capitals1
4mo
It's concerning, but he is strong. I worry about injury with his size
Beerman Beerman
4mo
Caps are done
Root for draft position
PhotoHokieNC PhotoHokieNC
4mo
Wings say. “Hold my puck.”
Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
4mo
If they go 8-1, and everyone above them goes .500 they will squeak in.
I got dreams.
Beerman Beerman
4mo
Cool. Nothing says success like a first round exit
Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
4mo
Well aren't you a happy camper. Jeez.
Beerman Beerman
4mo
I am, actually
And I would rather they spend the rest of the season playing the young guys big minutes, and let the chips fall where they may, than chase an early playoff exit
7
7Hokie1
4mo
This is probably Ovie's last season.
Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
4mo
I don't think so. He is still productive. 30 goal guys are valuable. But
the main thing is, he still absolutely loves playing. Also, I read somewhere that the NHL would love one more year for a "farewell tour" sort of thing. Everywhere he played would sell out, probably. Good for business.
S
Sportn
4mo
IMO he seems to be mostly a liability on the ice at this stage. He's slow,
turns the puck over more than he should, goes to one spot and waits for someone to pass it to him, can't play any defense. Caps are mostly a 4 on 5 team when he's out there. He's had a great career but farther time has caught up to him. I'd like to see him retire as the great 8 and move on.
H
HwoodHokie
4mo
Farewell tour for HC Dynamo Moscow
Coach McGuirk Coach McGuirk OP
4mo
Yea, maybe.