With the season coming in 47 days it's time for some early predictions
The Washington Capitals are less than a month away from preseason hockey of their own and we are here to do some early predictions on what should go down based on our cristall ball.
3. Jakub Vrana makes the opening night roster
An early but bold prediction ahead of training camp is that we think Jakub Vrana has what it takes to make the opening night roster. Who he beats out for that spot remains the tough question.
Could Sonny Milano be the odd man out or one of the offseason aquisitions? That's a hot question as summer draws to a close and hockey is almost here. Don't get too nostalgic for V though it's OK to get optimistic per Mike Vogel of WashCaps.com:
""Few players remain from Washington's 2018 Cup team, and the number dwindles every year. Vrana is the first of those players to find his way back to the District as an active player, but whether that return is fleeting or lengthy remains to be seen and will depend upon Vrana's performance, his mindset and the state of his game, but also on the performances of others vying for significant time on the power play and or/in the top nine when training camp opens next month.""
- Mike Vogel/WashCaps.com
2. Pierre-Luc Dubois has the potential to make the team out of training camp
We believe that Pierre-Luc Dubois has the potential to make the team out of training camp and we're not the only ones. Per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, she said this:
""Washington took a big gamble to kick off its busy offseason, acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Darcy Kuemper. The 26 year old is coming off a rough first year of a blockbuster eight year deal he signed with L.A. after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets just one year ago.""
- Pierre-Luc Dubois
This will be his fourth team in four years but in the past he's produced and put up at least 60 points. Last season though he had just 40 points in 82 games and that inconsisntency and struggle was why the Caps decided to make a deal with LA.
He's noted that he's excited about the change in scenery and we know that Spencer Carbery can tap into the young forward's potential. Just like he did with the likes of Charlie Lindgren, Dylan Strome, and others. Even the Great Eight who we'll predict next. And you'll love this.
1. Alex Ovechkin will break Wayne Gretzky's record
#1 is the obvious one but he can do it. Alex Ovechkin will break Wayne Gretzky's record. He need's just 42 more to do it and we know he can based on what he's done for the last two decades. Many in the organization believe in it too and as the great John Walton would say, "It's OK to believe".
Ovi had 22 goals in his final 36 games to finish with his record breaking 18th 30 goal season after a slow first half. Down the stretch, he scored. And in that run he was scoring 0.61 goals per game which in a full 82 game season would've had him eclipse the mark already.
Of course we know father time is rough and Ovi turns 39 but as he enters his 20th NHL season the whole hockey world along with his native land will be watching with GR8 anticipation as he looks to make history. Whether he's riding a camel or spending time with his family you know the GR8 approves of what's been happening throughout the offseason which should fire him up even more on the path towards greatness. After all it's what the greats do.
