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Season Preview
Wes Goldstein: Five Things to Watch
The Capitals looked like a serious Stanley Cup contender
last season with two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin and their young
players proving they are all-star talents. Washington is no
less a threat now.
Full Story
Varlamov's impressive postseason debut offered a glimpse of
what Capitals opponents can expect face in the future. For
now, the 21-year-old will back up Jose Theodore. The veteran
is known for his occasional slumps, though, and that could be
enough for Varlamov to earn more starts and the No. 1 job outright. Hershey (AHL) - 19-7-1, 2.40 GAA, .916 SV%
In the System
No.
Player, Pos., Age
2008-09 Team, Stats
1
Anton Gustafsson, C, 19
Bofors (Sweden); 25GP-6G-4A-10PTS
2
Oskar Osala, LW, 21
Hershey (AHL); 75GP-23G-14A-37PTS
3
John Carlson, D, 19
London (OHL); 59GP-16G-60A-70PTS
Olympic Impact
Players who may be selected to take part in the 2010 Winter Games:
Nicklas Backstrom
Tomas Fleischmann
Mike Green
Milan Jurcina
Michael Nylander
Oskar Osala
Alex Ovechkin
Alexander Semin
Semyon Varlamov
Two-time Hart Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin aims for his fourth 50-goal and 100-point season in five years. (Getty Images)
Video
2008-09 in Review
Record: 50-24-8 for 108 points Finish: 2nd in East, 1st in Southeast; Lost Conf. Semifinals
"No doubt that Backstrom is far and away our best center and
the best playmaker we have on the team. But I wonder if he and
Semin don't work better together. OV has such ability to create
plays on his own and with Knuble with him on the first line,
that will lead to more goals off rebounds, screens, etc."
Varlamov's impressive postseason debut offered a glimpse of
what Capitals opponents can expect face in the future. For
now, the 21-year-old will back up Jose Theodore. The veteran
is known for his occasional slumps, though, and that could be
enough for Varlamov to earn more starts and the No. 1 job outright.
