The ‘25-‘26 boredom thread..

[alta]

He could’ve played another 5 productive seasons if he took the offseason seriously during his career instead of relying on natural talent.




https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/ovechkin-says-he-was-worried-there-wouldnt-be-enough-space-for-him-to-return-to-capitals-before-signing-one-year-extension

[BlackIce]

He could’ve played another 5 productive seasons if he took the offseason seriously during his career instead of relying on natural talent.




https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/ovechkin-says-he-was-worried-there-wouldnt-be-enough-space-for-him-to-return-to-capitals-before-signing-one-year-extension

   




Uh ..... I think it's rather risky to claim that a hockey player could maintain productivity into his mid-to-late-40's at an NHL level.  There have been a few guys able to do that, but it's the exception that proves the rule.  Frankly, I'm amazed that he has been able to maintain the level of production he has to this point, given that he has played 21 HARD seasons, missing very few games, playing huge minutes, and for most of his career playing a very tough style of play. 


Ovechkin at this point is an extreme example of a 100-foot hockey player, to the extent that he was virtually excluded from defensive zone face-offs this past season.  This creates issues for the coach, for if Ovechkin's line is up but play shifts to the defensive zone, the coach has to juggle and get someone else out in his place if he can't be trusted in the d-zone.  This is no criticism of him, but the outcome of two decades of wear and tear.  And I don't know that better off-season conditioning would create a different Ovechkin at this point.  Would it make him faster, quicker laterally, more motivated to stick with his man or cover his assigned territory off the puck in the d-zone rather than hang around waiting for a breakout? 

[Mickstix]

I think Ovi shed the Dzone liability tag years and years ago. It's his recent inability to skate (which imo would be much better if he dropped 20-30lbs) that hampers his defensive efforts these days.

[alta]

I would agree that size is important for a deep playoff run. But they also need to be quick, and that is what’s been lacking since 2018.


https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/07/22/washington-capitals-heaviest-team-nhl-2026-27-season/

[Beaglefan2]

We do have some quickness with Kyrou and a couple others and I think one thing that will emerge is the quickness and offensive aggressiveness of our defense. I think they are going to turn Chychrin and Hutson loose! Also when Sandin comes back, they have 3 very good skating defensemen.  The impact of Hutson could be huge and Chicky could really have a great year.

[richkrt99]

Let's hope it all works 

It will be nice to actually have some other assets in place for Hudson and Chicky to pass the puck to.  They can be an offensive threat on their own, but actually having multiple options to pass to will be a nice benefit.  I am excited about this upcoming season.  Sure appears we have the best assets, talent and deep balance that we've had overall in quite some time.  I can't imagine we will be an easy team to play against, with good size, some good talent, and all lines creating some sort of real challenge to face.  If we can get our PP really firing, that would be excellent as well.

[alta]

Yea, the one primary issue this last season was the power play. If it was producing at or above the league average this team would’ve been in the playoffs.

Caps finished the season at #25 out of 32. The PP has been lacking for several seasons now. But they still rank #4 overall since ‘05-‘06, the OV era.

[waynerivers]

I like our moves for the most part and think adding all the size was vital.  I'm excited to see how it all comes together.  We should have vastly more up front depth now.  I would even like to see us add another defenseman if the right guy was available.  I'm also not sold on Lindgren as the backup anymore.  He was pretty dreadful last season.

[alta]

https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/07/30/joe-beninati-craig-laughlin-silver-circle-broadcasting-honor-capitals-games/


“ The longtime Monumental Sports Network broadcasters were named 2026 Silver Circle honorees by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on Thursday. The honor recognizes television professionals who have spent at least 25 years in the industry while making significant contributions to broadcasting and their communities.”

[alta]

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/players/while-capitals-stressed-size-this-summer-they-havent-forgotten-about-speed

[richkrt99]

SO BORED

[BlackIce]

Well, it's obvious from rich's latest post that this thread has run its course.  So there is only one thing to do.




Start the '26 - '27 boredom thread.