Ranking The Metropolitan: Capitals Have Something To Prove, But Remain In Similar Position

According to KEVIN, the predictive learning model created by The Hockey News' Rachel Doerrie, the Capitals will have a similar season as last year, but there's plenty to prove.

The Washington Capitals have quite a bit to show and a chip on its shoulder after missing out on the playoffs for the first time in nine years, and with more youth mixed in with a veteran core, as well as new head coach Spencer Carbery at the helm, there's hope that Washington can take a step forward.

But how will the season play out? The Hockey News leveraged KEVIN, a predictive learning model created by Rachel Doerrie, to project how D.C. and the rest of hte NHL teams stack up.

And based on that, it seems that the Capitals will be in similar position as last year, though there is still hope.

1. Carolina Hurricanes

2. New Jersey Devils

3. New York Rangers

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

5. New York Islanders

6. Washington Capitals

7. Columbus Blue Jackets

8. Philadelphia Flyers

Last season: 35-37-10, sixth in the Metropolitan Division (missed playoffs)

Projected: Sixth in the Metropolitan Division

1. The Capitals stay healthy: Last season, Washington had the fourth-most man-games lost due to injury and were without the likes of top contributors Nicklas Backstrom (hip resurfacing surgery), Tom Wilson (ACL surgery) and John Carlson (head) for the majority of the season, while Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie also missed significant time due to different ailments. Connor Brown (torn ACL after three and a half games) and Carl Hagelin (eye/hip) were also out the entire season.

This year, the core is healthy, and everyone, with the exception of Max Pacioretty (torn Achilles) and Joel Edmundson (hand) is ready to go for opening night. If the team can stay healthy, it will be a major difference-maker as the Capitals look to stay consistent and prove they're still a contender.

2. Alex Ovechkin maintains his pace: Despite missing nine games, Ovechkin still managed 42 goals and climbed all the way to 822 goals, passing Gordie Howe for second on the NHL's all-time goals list. He has 73 more to go to pass Wayne Gretzky, but beyond the record, him maintaining his scoring touch will be vital as Washington looks to get production but revive its power play.

3. Centers Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom return to vintage form: The Capitals know what Evgeny Kuznetsov is capable of, and the 31-year-old comes into this season with plenty to prove after a lackluster 2022-23 campaign led to him being at the forefront of trade rumors across the league. If he can be the 78-point scorer he was just two years ago, it will work wonders for the team's top-6 and man advantage.

The same can be said for Backstrom, who is now 16 months removed from hip resurfacing surgery and is pain-free and ready to leave it all in the rearview. Vintage Backstrom would mean everything for D.C., as it would give the club another top center and playmaker.

Washington managed just 3.09 goals per game last season, and the power play was also only operating at 21.4 percent. With Kuznetsov and Backstrom at the top of their game, the Capitals will be in a much better position.

Most-likely scenario: Washington incorporates its younger stars with the veteran core and gains some traction in the standings under new head coach Spencer Carbery, but just misses out on the postseason and has the same finish in the Metro.

Worst-case scenario: The core's aging shows, Kuznetsov and Backstrom can't get back to the level of play they were at and injuries plague the club again.