What do the Caps need in order to get to the next level?

[HockeyThoughts]

I've always thought the ONE PIECE they needed more than anything was a two-way C to handle the Crosbys, Malkins, Girouxs and Stamkos of the world. Backstrom is a solid offensive No. 1 on his own, but he doesn't have the defensive game of Toews, Kopitar, Bergeron, etc. Scoring has never been a HUGE issue; they're good enough to win series with their collective forward group, but they don't have the defensive horses needed to win. I happen to think biting the bullet when players like Ryan Kesler, Eric/Jordan Staal, Travis Zajac, etc. were available in their primes would have made a slight difference.

That, and they acquired Kevin Shattenkirk to play him on the third pairing to hide Brooks Orpik's deficiencies. That's more to do with Barry Trotz. They have everything else you need honestly.

Nicklas Backstrom is a great defensive center...

The problem has always been the #2 center spot.

 

[BatVader]

Have to wake up sticks!

 

[Riddum]

There is something lacking and it isn't skill. There was a strong lack of urgency for a game 7 today. As if they were happy to have made it this far.

 

[who_me?]

Blow it up.

 

[Knave]

Keep doing the same thing or blow it up.

You would think this was a team of 18 year olds with how nervous, disengaged, panicked they looked at different times. So you hold out and hope they magically break through the mental block or you decide they can't and rebuild.

 

[illpucks]

If Marty St.Louis was their captain they would win this game. They need a better captain and a playoff coach.

But you can't take the C from Ovi if you don't have a guy like Marty to wear it.

 

[Guardian17]

They need Pittsburgh to move to the Western Conference.

 

[lawrence]

Keep him in Washington, but maybe Strip the C. LIke Sanjose did with Thornton.

If Marty St.Louis was their captain they would win this game.

the same guy that requested a trade because he didn't make team Canada?

 

[Cuttinfrealbirt]

Fold.

That's it. LOL

 

[illpucks]

the same guy that requested a trade because he didn't make team Canada?

Here's the thing. The guy had just win the Ross at 37. The Oldest to ever do it. And his own GM doesn't select him.

If your not selected to the team by your own GM after you win the Ross....you should ask for a trade