It's been almost a week since GM George McPhee decided to stay pat at the trading deadline. Since then, the Washington Capitals barely beat the New York Islanders and were crushed by the New Jersey Devils. Hardly a ringing endorsement that this team is built for the playoffs.
But there could be mitigating factors here. McPhee recently stated that he's not going to negotiate with Alex Semin or Dennis Wideman until after the season -- pretty much ensuring that the entire season will transpire for the first time in recent memory without any trades, signings or extensions. This could be an indication that owner Ted Leonsis has told McPhee to stay the course or could mean that McPhee's stay with the organization is about to end.
In the meantime, the more games that transpire, the more uncertainty seems to develop. There is no steady conviction from the team, and the call-ups from Hershey seem to increase by the week.
With less than 20 games to go, the Caps are out of playoff position and will be fighting until the bitter end to qualify for the postseason -- something that seemed to be a foregone conclusion when the season began.
In my season preview, I stated the team's worst-case scenario: "As in previous seasons, there's always the possibility that this group is a disaster, injuries hit like wildfire and the team falls apart -- leading to Boudreau's firing. Doubtful but possible."
It seems that this has become the truth, and going into the summer (one that might follow a non-playoff season), the questions will grow louder and the uncertainty more probable.
Original Story:
http://www.stormingthecrease.com/2012...
But there could be mitigating factors here. McPhee recently stated that he's not going to negotiate with Alex Semin or Dennis Wideman until after the season -- pretty much ensuring that the entire season will transpire for the first time in recent memory without any trades, signings or extensions. This could be an indication that owner Ted Leonsis has told McPhee to stay the course or could mean that McPhee's stay with the organization is about to end.
In the meantime, the more games that transpire, the more uncertainty seems to develop. There is no steady conviction from the team, and the call-ups from Hershey seem to increase by the week.
With less than 20 games to go, the Caps are out of playoff position and will be fighting until the bitter end to qualify for the postseason -- something that seemed to be a foregone conclusion when the season began.
In my season preview, I stated the team's worst-case scenario: "As in previous seasons, there's always the possibility that this group is a disaster, injuries hit like wildfire and the team falls apart -- leading to Boudreau's firing. Doubtful but possible."
It seems that this has become the truth, and going into the summer (one that might follow a non-playoff season), the questions will grow louder and the uncertainty more probable.
Original Story:
http://www.stormingthecrease.com/2012...
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March 03, 2012
