Capitals’ Defense is Keeping Them Atop the NHL Standings

At the start of 2021-22, the Washington Capitals had some questions to answer about their blue line. A majority of the defense was aging and accounted for a little less than $24.4 million against the franchise’s salary cap. Veterans such as John Carlson and Nick Jensen needed to step up, as well as rookies and bargain skaters.

Despite giving up three goals against the Anaheim Ducks last night, the blue line has responded as one of the top defenses in the league. It’s one reason the Capitals have the most points (38) in the NHL at the moment.  

Capitals’ Defense Deserves More Credit

Over the summer, Brenden Dillon was traded to the Winnipeg Jets which left a hole on the left side of the ice. Rookie Martin Fehervary was slotted into the lineup since opening night and has had a solid debut campaign thus far. With the uncertainty that surrounded Michal Kempny—who currently skates for Washington’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears­­—the team needed veteran leadership from within, players to show their potential and a little outside support.

Carlson and Dmitry Orlov are having good seasons to start. Both rank in the top five for the Capitals in points and average time on ice, and Orlov’s plus-14 rating is fifth and Carlson’s plus-8 is sixth. First in that category at plus-20 is Jensen who has stepped up tremendously. That rating is good for fourth in the NHL, second among defensemen.

Jensen’s Play is a Nice Surprise

Jensen has been revitalized this season so it would appear. From opening night against the New York Rangers, he has been skating with speed and finishing his checks. From an offensive standpoint, he has already recorded nine points in 26 games. That may not seem like a lot, but in his seven-year career thus far, his highest point total has been 15. Of those nine points, three have been goals, which is one shy of his career-best four in 2016-17, while a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

He also ranks second on the team in average ice time while short-handed, spending 2:24 per game on the penalty kill. First is Trevor van Riemsdyk at 2:26. This is the 30-year-old’s second season with Washington and it’s a make-or-break campaign. He isn’t an unrestricted free agent until after next season, but general manager Brian MacLellan needs to start thinking of the future now, and it would be better if van Riemsdyk proved his worth sooner rather than later. He did not skate last night against the Ducks due to COVID protocols.

If Alexeyev is eventually recalled, perhaps at the turn of the year, then his play may make the decision to let Schultz walk a little easier. Or Washington could just do what they did with Fehervary and insert Alexeyev into the lineup at the start of 2022-23 and take it from there.

There are difficult decisions ahead, but, as of right now, the blue line is exceeding expectation—and concentrating on making a run at the Stanley Cup. If they continue their play, that’s a very realistic goal.