MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Alex Ovechkin. Even though his offensive numbers were down a little from last year (he finished with 32 goals and 53 assists), the Caps still can't go anywhere without him. Ovechkin isn't the kind of player who doesn't help if he's struggling on offense. He'll go out and hit people, set screens, chase the puck into the corner and do anything the team needs. The best news was that Ovechkin reined in his temper this season.

MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER
Alexander Semin. His numbers were all right -- 28 goals and 26 assists in 65 games. He helped in the first-round playoff series against the Rangers, but Semin disappeared in the Lightning series. That's what happened last year versus the Canadiens. In addition, he kept getting hit with silly penalties -- usually slashing -- and often was caught out of position. At some point, he's got to mature on the ice.

BIGGEST NEEDS
The Caps need one outstanding offensive player with speed, possibly a center. But they also have to get help for their third and fourth lines. They've got some good players there, but those guys are getting older and didn't help much on the scoreboard. The Caps also have to get one or two more defensemen with speed who can move the puck. That will help the Caps clear the puck -- the key to their defensive style of play.

FREE AGENT FOCUS
Most of the Caps' free agents are older or are mere role players. Jason Arnott, Marco Sturm, Brooks Laich, Matt Bradley, Boyd Gordon, Scott Hannan and Sean Collins are unrestricted free agents. Karl Alzner and Semyon Varlamov are restricted free agents. Arnott has already said he wants to come back, while Alzner and Laich are favorites of coach Bruce Boudreau. But there are a lot of questions about whether the Caps are looking for a leader and proven players who can make a difference sooner rather than later.

PLAYER NOTES

--It will be interesting to see what the Caps do with their goalie situation. Many thought that Semyon Varlamov would be the starter this season, but injuries opened the door for Michal Neuvirth, and he jumped right in. Then injuries to both opened the door for Braden Holtby, and he looked more athletic than both of them. It will be interesting to see how all three fit into the equation -- or if the team makes a move that involves one of them.

--The loss of defenseman Dennis Wideman in the playoffs truly hurt the Caps. He might have been the best pickup of this season. He turned into an aggressive, offensive-minded defenseman that the Caps really needed. If the Lightning series had gone six games or seven, there's a chance that Wideman could have returned.

--It also will be interesting to see what the Caps do with players on their third and fourth lines, such as Boyd Gordon and Jason Chimera. Both give the offense and defense lots of help, but they were inconsistent at times, something that hurt the offense. The Caps need more punch on offense and can't just rely on the top two lines.

MEDICAL WATCH

--RW Eric Fehr has had shoulder surgery again for the second straight offseason. He might not be ready for the start of the season.

--D Tom Poti missed the majority of the season because of a groin problem.

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