Caps' Caveat: Goaltending, Defense

In many of the 2009-2010 previews out so far, the caveat that comes with the Caps' chances of winning the Cup are goaltending and defense (again). But are they warranted?

There are many ways to evaluate those scenarios, but the easiest is goals allowed. In the playoffs last season, the Caps boasted a 2.71 GAA -- good for sixth-best in the league and virtually-even with the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. In the regular season, that figure was a little higher (2.93), but still almost tied with the Pens (2.84). As a means of comparison, the Caps averaged 3.27 goals per game during the regular season and 2.93 in the postseason. So the best team in the league wasn't too far ahead of the Caps.

In many ways, the Caps' defense began to tighten in the playoffs -- with the biggest weakness being occasional breakdowns. Fixing those lapses of judgment, as well as the team's tendency to disappear for long stretches against inferior regular-season opponents are bigger problems than just a generic defense and goaltending.

Yes, Mike Green needs to be more responsible in his own zone. And yes, some of the other players (especially Milan Jurcina and Jeff Schultz) need to stop making boneheaded plays. But let's remember that the Pens faced similar quandaries in the regular season before Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill (who have both bolted town this summer, by the way) took over in the postseason.

Let's remember, though, that Brian Pothier was hurt most of last season and Karl Alzner was playing well before the salary cap forced him back to Hershey. This is a team that can play solid defense -- and will have a new coach in Bob Woods to bring down the hammer when needed. And there will be plenty of charges in Hershey waiting to come up and do exactly as told.

Finally, Semyon Varlamov will help stabilize the goaltender situation. Jose Theodore also will be playing for a new contract (presumably in another city) so he might be able to turn it up as well. (See Huet, Cristobal.)

So while the tune might remain the same, the music is a bit misleading.