Washington Capitals: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 7:The Washington Capitals celebrate around the Stanley Cup after Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights at Capital One Arena on Thursday, June 7, 2018. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

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Can the Washington Capitals win back-to-back Stanley Cups? These five burning questions will determine that.

It took the Washington Capitals over 40 seasons, but they finally won the Stanley Cup. The Caps and their fans endured years of heartbreak and disappointment. They saw themselves fail in the past despite being the best regular season team in the NHL.

This year was different. Instead of winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the Capitals had to dig deep and fight to win the Metropolitan Division. Things nearly fell apart for them on several occasions, but they were able to right their ship each time.

The Capitals had success as the underdogs, for once. In recent years, they had been considered the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Now the Capitals must live up to their greatest expectations yet if they want to repeat. And yes, they are quite interested in doing so.

It’s hard to win the Stanley Cup. Winning back-to-back titles is even more difficult. You need a lot of things to go right for you. The Capitals’ path to the Stanley Cup wasn’t a straight one, but when they needed things to go their way, fortune smiled on them for once.

If the Caps want to win back-to-back Stanley Cups, they’ll have to answer these five burning questions.

Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images /

5. Is their third pairing good enough?

The Capitals defense was far from great during the 2017-18 regular season. Heck, they weren’t even good until they acquired Michal Kempny in February. Getting him stabilized what was a broken defense with players having to fill larger roles than they were capable of doing.

Going into the 2018-19 season, it looks like the Capitals will have a young third pairing. Now, they could sign a veteran defenseman. Perhaps even Brooks Orpik, who won the Stanley Cup with the Caps. But assuming no other moves are made, Christian Djoos and Madison Bowey will likely make up the third pairing.

The former had a very solid rookie season, even if he didn’t show up much on the scoresheet. Djoos can move the puck and tilted possession in the Capitals’ favor, albeit in a sheltered role. Bowey had a rough first season, but he’s a talented defenseman. A more consistent partner should do wonders for him.

If Washington can have a dominant third pairing, their chances of repeating as the Stanley Cup champions improve exponentially.

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