“We have a lot of players and staff in a lot of different scenarios — whether you’re [forwards] Alex Ovechkin, Connor McMichael, [coaches] Spencer Carbery, Kenny McCudden, Kirk Muller, Mitch Love — that just sort of have a mind-set coming into this year of, ‘We’ve got something to prove,’ ” Carbery said. “All in different ways, collectively as a team and individually. … I just felt like it resonates.”
Last season, the Capitals failed to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014. According to most predictions, they are not expected to return to the postseason this year. The team’s roster, already one of the oldest in the league, did not significantly get younger in the offseason. Additionally, the Capitals faced numerous injuries last season, and it is unlikely that their core players will be able to play over 75 games as they continue to age. Even Alex Ovechkin, the reliable captain, missed several games due to injuries.
Optimism is high during training camp and the start of a new season, but the Capitals face a challenging road ahead. They open their 2023-24 campaign against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night.
The veteran players in Washington’s roster were frustrated with last season’s outcome and believe they still have more to give. Meanwhile, younger players like 22-year-old Connor McMichael aim to prove they are ready to be consistent NHL contributors. Additionally, players like Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha, who underperformed last season, want to prove that it was an exception rather than a pattern.
According to forward T.J. Oshie, “I think there’s a lot of guys in our lineup individually that have things to prove in a lot of different ways. You’ve got guys that signed long-term deals that I know will prove that they’re deserving of those long-term contracts. You’ve got older guys that have had a couple tough years of injuries that want to go out on their own terms and make another run at a Cup. We’ve got a chase for the
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
Denial of responsibility! Being Sportsfan is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
