Going into the season, everyone had the Caps in the playoffs. Either top team in the east, or at worst, top 3-4. That's only been expected a few times in their history.
The team has literally no "real" holes. Their C depth is as good as ever. Their D is the best it's had in the Ovey era. They have respected and organized coaching (maybe not dynamic enough). They have one of the best 5 goalies in the league. They have terrific top end talent and they have burgeoning youth that can/will improve.
The team literally has it all. So much so that their 9-4-1 is absolutely flying under the radar of the NHL, as the Habs hot start, coupled with the Rangers and Pens streaking out, has this Caps team under-appreciated. They are a point out of first in the Metro, all while experimenting with playing style and line combos quite a bit.
So simple,yes or no. Is this the Franchise's best roster ever? I can't say what the end result will be....no one can with actual clarity, but the parts are there, IMO.
The team has literally no "real" holes. Their C depth is as good as ever. Their D is the best it's had in the Ovey era. They have respected and organized coaching (maybe not dynamic enough). They have one of the best 5 goalies in the league. They have terrific top end talent and they have burgeoning youth that can/will improve.
The team literally has it all. So much so that their 9-4-1 is absolutely flying under the radar of the NHL, as the Habs hot start, coupled with the Rangers and Pens streaking out, has this Caps team under-appreciated. They are a point out of first in the Metro, all while experimenting with playing style and line combos quite a bit.
So simple,yes or no. Is this the Franchise's best roster ever? I can't say what the end result will be....no one can with actual clarity, but the parts are there, IMO.