Caps Not Scoring, Not a Problem

Defense, defense, defense. Something that has been absent in the chilly Verizon Center the past three seasons. We as fans are addicted to the high octane, high powered offense that we have been so accustomed to. And there is nothing wrong with that. It is entertaining. But simultaneously , we complain about the lack of postseason success.

The Caps have completely altered their approach to every contest this season, and it has been to the dismay of much of the fan base. Last season the Caps were 16th in goals allowed, and this season they are 6th. Last season they were 1st in goals scored, this season they are 19th. Completely shifting your approach from a spread out high powered offense to a stingy defense isn't going to happen overnight. It is going to take some time. Look at the bright side, the defense has made the transition. They block shots, they stay where they are supposed to be, and they get good goaltending. That is playoff hockey. That is what has been invisible in April and May. The goals will come, so it would behoove everyone to just stay patient.

Maybe the switch to defense hasn't translated to as many wins as we would like, but clearly history will show you that the regular season is somewhat irrelevant. If they get into the tournament, which they will, they have just as good a chance as anybody, and the good defensive habits will pay off.

I know much of our fan base is quite irrational and incompetent, but wake the hell up. 1-0 wins are good, if you didn't know. They are learning to win tight low scoring games, which they had no idea how to in previous seasons.

Yea, I know, its Pessimistic in the District, but I feel more optimistic then ever before. If the Caps had came into this season with the same approach, I would be expecting the April collapse. I know we are used to incompetent upper management and ownership with the Wizards and Redskins, but let's remember that is not the Caps. Mcphee and Leonsis know what they are doing, and they have already built a winner.

Now let's just get that power play in order.