Caps need to make defense a team effort
By: Turner Sports Desk
Everyday there is someone talking about the Washington Capitals lack of defense. Some argue that the Caps need to bring in a big bopper on the blue line but they forget the Red Wings won multiple Cups without a killer defenseman. The Red Wings proved that team emphasis on defensive positioning and discipline is more effective than one guy trying to lay everyone out. The Caps are clearly the most talented offensive team in the league and the numbers back that statement up. The Achilles heel for this team is not a defensive personnel problem as many would suggest. The real problem is a lack of discipline, patience and the art of simplifying the game.
What I See…
I see a team that is so offensively gifted that they can spot you a few goals, play 20-40 minutes of hockey and still beat you by multiple goals by the final whistle. The Caps also have the best player on earth who can flick a switch in his mind and become unstoppable. Given these factors it is easy to see why the Caps often become so puck focused that they lose basic discipline. Sometimes you can catch them watching Ovechkin and Semin instead of positioning themselves for a pass, shot or rebound. They also believe that they can score on every shift so you see a tendency to try and stick handle when they should just dump and chase. How many times have we watched in amazement as Semin or Ovechkin tried to put the puck behind a guy only to have the guy read the play and go back the other way on our goalie. The trick plays are only awesome when they work.
Good defense is a team effort
The one thing I know from following sports all of my life is effective defense requires a team effort. Defense is not just a matter for defensemen but it requires forwards making smart decisions with or without the puck. Good defense requires the forwards back checking and helping out. Good defense requires you to dump that puck instead of trying something dumb, causing a turnover and putting your defense/goalie in a bad spot. You have to believe that if we can see these things Bruce Boudreau can see them. You also have to believe that Boudreau is screaming this at the top of his lungs. If Boudreau has become white noise in the ears of the players then McPhee can and will bring in a more discipline minded coach. It happens all the time in hockey so don’t be shocked.
Summary
As I look at the Caps roster I see more than enough to win a Stanley Cup on offense, defense and in goal. Theodore is playing high quality hockey and Varlamov is capable when healthy so the biggest hurdle for the Caps is just playing smarter and more team oriented hockey. Coach Boudreau has a unique challenge that many coaches only dream of. He has such offensively gifted players that he has to walk a fine line between allowing them to flourish but also holding them accountable for their decisions/actions. If the Caps want to win a Stanley Cup every player in that locker room needs become more disciplined, patient and simplify the game.