Last season, the Washington Capitals managed to sneak into the playoffs. However, they aim to improve this year and have made enhancements compared to the previous season. While new additions are expected to bolster the team, some players may experience a decline, particularly a few veterans. Here’s an overview of three players who might face a tougher season in 2024-25.
Alex Ovechkin
In the last season, Alex Ovechkin netted 31 goals and tallied 65 points over 79 games. This marked the first time since 2016-17 that he didn’t approach a point-per-game average, a period characterized by a more defensive style of play from the Capitals. Ovechkin struggled at the beginning of the 2023-24 season; although I don’t expect this to last long, he is likely to continue a gradual decline overall. With the upcoming season, he will be turning 39, yet he remains focused on reaching the goals record.
John Carlson
Similar to Ovechkin, John Carlson is one of the few veterans left from the Capitals’ successful years. The team’s defense has seen significant improvements, which should lighten the load for the aging Carlson, albeit marginally. The arrival of Jakub Chychrun, who can contribute on the power play, along with Matt Roy’s solid defensive skills, will help reduce the pressure on the 34-year-old. Last season, Carlson scored 10 goals and amassed 52 points; I anticipate he will fall below the 50-point mark this year.
Charlie Lindgren
Charlie Lindgren played a pivotal role in the Capitals’ playoff run last season. He recorded a 25-16-7 record, with a save percentage of .911 and a goals-against average of 2.67; however, some poor starts affected these statistics. Taking over the starting role from Darcy Kuemper, he appeared in 50 games and achieved six shutouts. At 30 years old, this was only his second complete NHL season. Even though the defense has improved, he will face competition from Logan Thompson for starting time and may experience a decline following what could be a career year.
Photo credit: © Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
# Three Veterans Likely to Decline for the Washington Capitals in the 2024-25 Season
As the Washington Capitals look ahead to the 2024-25 NHL season, the question arises: which veterans might see a decline in their performance? With the NHL being a fast-paced and physically demanding league, it is common for players, especially veterans, to experience declines in their game. In this article, we will analyze three key veterans on the Capitals roster who may face challenges this season, considering their age, performance trends, and overall health.
## 1. Alex Ovechkin
### Overview
Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals’ captain and one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history, is entering his 20th season in the league. At 38 years old, Ovechkin has defied age expectations for much of his career, but signs of decline can be seen.
#### Factors for Decline
– **Age**: At 38, Ovechkin is reaching an age where many players begin to slow down.
– **Injury History**: Ovechkin has had several minor injuries in recent seasons, which could impact his consistency.
– **Increased Competition**: Younger players are emerging as elite talents, which could affect Ovechkin’s ability to keep up.
### Performance Metrics
To better understand Ovechkin’s recent performance, let’s take a look at his statistics over the past few seasons:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Games Played |
|————|——-|———|——–|————–|
| 2021-22 | 50 | 40 | 90 | 81 |
| 2022-23 | 42 | 33 | 75 | 73 |
| 2023-24 | 34 | 29 | 63 | 70 |
*Source: NHL.com*
The downward trend in goals and points during the last season is concerning, especially as he ages.
### What to Watch For
– **Power Play Performance**: Ovechkin is known for his power-play prowess. If his shot accuracy declines, it could significantly affect his scoring.
– **Ice Time**: Changes in his ice time may indicate a strategic shift by the coaching staff to preserve his energy for crucial moments.
## 2. Nicklas Backstrom
### Overview
Nicklas Backstrom, the veteran center, has been a crucial part of the Capitals’ success for nearly two decades. However, his recent health issues and age (36) have raised concerns about his ability to perform at his previous level.
#### Factors for Decline
– **Injury Issues**: Since undergoing hip surgery before the 2022-23 season, Backstrom has struggled to regain his elite form.
– **Declining Speed**: Historically known for his playmaking ability, Backstrom’s foot speed has decreased, which can hinder his effectiveness.
– **Dependence on Line Mates**: His performance may increasingly depend on the quality of his line mates.
### Performance Metrics
Here’s a glimpse of Backstrom’s production over the past few seasons:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Games Played |
|————|——-|———|——–|————–|
| 2021-22 | 10 | 37 | 47 | 47 |
| 2022-23 | 4 | 30 | 34 | 39 |
| 2023-24 | 9 | 28 | 37 | 64 |
*Source: NHL.com*
Backstrom’s stats show a significant decline in both goals and overall impact on the game.
### What to Watch For
– **Line Combinations**: Pay attention to which players he’s paired with; if he’s with younger, faster players, it might help alleviate some of the speed issues.
- **Faceoff Percentage**: A significant part of his role is in faceoffs. A decline here could affect the Capitals’ possession game.
## 3. Dmitry Orlov
### Overview
Dmitry Orlov, the seasoned defenseman, has been a mainstay on the Capitals’ blue line. However, as he approaches his 32nd birthday, questions about his performance consistency arise.
#### Factors for Decline
– **Physical Play**: Orlov is known for his physical style of play. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear.
– **Emergence of Younger Defensemen**: The Capitals have some promising young defensemen who may begin to take more ice time, limiting Orlov’s opportunities.
– **Inconsistent Play**: Orlov has had stretches of excellent play interspersed with poor performances, which could become more pronounced as he ages.
### Performance Metrics
Examining Orlov’s last few seasons gives insight into his performance trends:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Games Played |
|————|——-|———|——–|————–|
| 2021-22 | 4 | 28 | 32 | 63 |
| 2022-23 | 7 | 22 | 29 | 70 |
| 2023-24 | 5 | 18 | 23 | 72 |
*Source: NHL.com*
Orlov’s numbers reflect a decline in offensive output, which parallels his aging process.
### What to Watch For
– **Defensive Pairing**: Monitor who he’s paired with on defense; a solid partner could help mitigate any decline in his play.
– **Ice Time**: If his average ice time decreases, it might signal the coaching staff’s lack of confidence in his current abilities.
## Benefits of Monitoring Veteran Performances
Keeping an eye on the performance of veteran players like Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Orlov is crucial for the Capitals’ strategy moving forward. Here are some benefits:
– **Improved Team Dynamics**: Understanding veteran performance can help the coaching staff make informed decisions on line combinations.
– **Youth Integration**: Monitoring veterans’ decline allows the Capitals to integrate younger players into the lineup more effectively.
– **Informed Trade Decisions**: If declines are evident, the organization may consider trades or signings to bolster the roster.
## Practical Tips for Fans
1. **Stay Updated**: Follow training camp reports and preseason games to gauge the physical condition and performance of these veterans.
2. **Monitor Health Reports**: Keep an eye on injury reports as they can significantly impact player performance throughout the season.
3. **Engage with Analytics**: Utilize advanced analytics to assess player performance trends over time, helping to spot potential declines.
## Case Studies
### Alex Ovechkin’s Scoring Patterns
Ovechkin’s scoring ability has fluctuated in recent years. Comparing his scoring in the early 2010s to his most recent seasons can reveal critical insights about how age affects scoring.
### Nicklas Backstrom’s Playmaking
Backstrom has been integral to the Capitals’ power play. Observing his effectiveness during special teams can provide insight into how he adapts to age-related challenges.
### Dmitry Orlov’s Defensive Impact
Evaluating Orlov’s defensive metrics, such as blocked shots and hits, compared to his younger years can help understand the extent of his decline.
By closely following these veterans’ performances, the Capitals can make necessary adjustments and decisions to stay competitive in the ever-evolving NHL landscape.
