ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals are making a strong case as contenders this spring, having clinched 36 victories out of their first 54 games, with only 11 losses in regulation time. Their impressive performance has put them at the top of the NHL standings, making them a team to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
However, for the next two weeks, the Capitals will be observing rather than participating, as they are the only team in the league without a player selected for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which features teams from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland. San Jose’s recent trade of Mikael Granlund to Dallas leaves Washington as one of only two teams without any representation in the tournament. While this absence may seem like a disadvantage at first, it could potentially provide the Capitals a unique advantage, as other Eastern Conference contenders will have multiple players participating.
Andrew Mangiapane, a forward for Washington, remarked on the situation, stating that players who were on the cusp of selection might have wished to take part in the tournament. However, he believes this break will allow the team a chance to recuperate. With a demanding schedule leading up to now, the downtime should help the players recover from minor injuries and elevate their energy levels, which may prove beneficial as the season draws to a close and the playoffs approach.
Head Coach Spencer Carbery, a strong candidate for Coach of the Year honors, sees this unusual break as an opportunity for a mental and physical reset for the entire squad. While other strong teams like the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers have numerous players competing in the tournament, Washington can focus entirely on recharging without the distraction of games from February 9 to 22.
Key players such as defenseman John Carlson (USA) and goaltender Logan Thompson, along with winger Tom Wilson (Canada), would have welcomed the chance to participate. Carlson, who notably represented his country in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, has shown exceptional play this season, while Thompson’s statistics surpass those chosen for the Canadian roster. These players, along with Wilson’s rare combination of size and skill, might have been overlooked, and their absence could potentially lead to regrets for the national teams going forward.
Despite missing the opportunity for national representation, the Capitals are focused on controlling what they can as they prepare for the remainder of the season. Carlson emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum and the need to stay vigilant without letting up.
Washington’s season has seen many successes, highlighted by Alex Ovechkin’s remarkable 26 goals in 38 games, echoing his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career record. New additions to the team, including Thompson, Mangiapane, center Pierre-Luc Dubois, and defenseman Jakob Chychrun, have blended seamlessly into the squad, contributing to their strong standing. The Capitals’ offensive capabilities are unparalleled, boasting the top-ranked scoring offense in even-strength play, and achieving victories with a broad range of scorelines, from tight 1-0 matches to high-scoring 7-4 games.
Mangiapane remarked on the importance of team depth, attributing their achievements to contributions from all lines and defensive pairings, combined with excellent goaltending. This multidimensional effort is what characterizes successful teams.
Meanwhile, other teams, particularly the Panthers, will see many players travel to Montreal and Boston for the 4 Nations tournament. Coach Paul Maurice has urged his players to embrace the experience, recalling how previous national team selections have instilled a sense of pride and confidence in the players, ultimately affecting their on-ice performance.
Notably, no Capitals player currently ranks in the top 30 in scoring, and some key members hail from nations not involved in the tournament. Ovechkin represents Russia, and Aliaksei Protas, a 22-goal scorer, is from Belarus, while defenseman Martin Fehervary is likely to compete for Slovakia in Milan.
Looking ahead, Carlson pointed out that there’s no definitive strategy for managing the upcoming break. “Just take care of yourself,” he advised. The mental relief could be especially helpful for players not dealing with injuries, providing a chance to step back from the daily grind.
Upon the season’s resumption, the Capitals will face the challenge of 27 games over 55 days, working towards optimal positioning for the playoffs. The team has not advanced beyond the first round since their Stanley Cup victory in 2018, and they are determined to change that this time around.
“It’s going to be a grind coming down the stretch,” Carbery acknowledged, aware of the demanding nature of their playing style. The team must prepare for an arduous journey, aiming for success well into the spring months.
