I agree. I liked Strome from day one but figured him for at best a mild 2C. He has always been a good passer and playmaker, but his scoring touch has improved as well his board work, etc - pretty much all aspects of his game are better. He is producing at a much higher level than I ever expected.
McMike....Outstanding improvement in this guy..I was about ready to let the ship sail on him (although, we forget how young he is), but damn the difference in this year vs last year is crazy. He's faster
Protus...WTH - we all that that contract was insane, but now its a bargain. Just wish he'd use that body a little to go thru people instead of around them. (I recall Carbs commenting on this early last year...trying to get him to utilize his size more to his advantage) I didn't figure him for having the scoring touch, but he (like McMike) went on some kind of skating clinic over the summer and it has improved his game everywhere.
Dubois has been a pleasant surprise as well. I heard nothing but bad press on him....lazy, not working, not good teammate, etc. He has been nothing but Mr hustle in nearly every game. I honestly can't recall a game where I was down on him or had anything negative to say. Certainly the contract is too high, but the Caps didn't issue that contract, and took it partly in exchange for dumping Kuemper's $6m contract. Surely would like Dubois to put more in the net, but his all around play has been excellent.
So...easy to say when you are winning, but I think Carbs might be the real deal. He has somehow gotten improved play from nearly all players on the ice this season. His credit or just a fluke? I think he for sure has something to do with the Caps success this season.
Lets keep on rollin baby....
