NHL division previews: 2017-18 Metropolitan Division

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MONTREAL, QC – SEPTEMBER 20: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates on the ice at warmup before the Washington Capitals versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 20, 2017, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3rd in 2017-18 Metropolitan Division – Washington Capitals

The top three of the Metro are very likely going to be occupying the top four spots in the Eastern Conference and the top six in the NHL. This makes it very difficult to find a significant enough difference between the three to pick them.

It’s an easy statement to say that Washington is going to challenge for the Metro, and therefore the President’s Trophy. They have Alex Ovechkin, who is still good for 40-50 goals per season, accompanied by one of the stronger top-six forward groups in the league. Scoring definitely won’t be an issue for the Capitals from their top six.

The biggest worry for them is what their depth forwards can contribute, if anything. There is a steep drop off between their top six and bottom six, and it’s enough to be worrying. While their top six is strong, their bottom six is equally as worrying.

The back-end is one thing that might lead to the Capitals feeling slightly uneasy. Matt Niskanen, Dmitry Orlov, John Carlson, Brooks Orpik and Taylor Chorney are their only NHL established defenseman. That cast of defensemen is less than convincing, to say the least.

If there’s one thing that is going to continue their playoff curse, it’s going to be their serious lack of defensive depth.

Behind their blue line is Vezina Trophy candidate Braden Holtby. Holtby will be a top five goaltender in the NHL again this season, and he’ll undoubtedly make his defense look a lot better than what they really are.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Alex Ovechkin. If Ovechkin can score 43 this season, something well within his reach still, he can jump up to 19th all-time in goals. The Russian’s career is on the down swing, so it will be fun to see just how high up the list he can move before hanging up the skates in a few short seasons.