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Ben Lutz

Ben covers the Washington Capitals at the hockey writers. He has been blogging about the NHL since March 2013. Follow him @DCSportsDork

Can Vrana Deliver for the Capitals?

Ben Lutz | December 1, 2016

Tonight has the potential to be well remembered in recent Capitals history. That’s because this date will be recognized as the start of Jakub Vrana’s NHL career. At 20-years old,…

Categories Capitals Prospects, Washington Capitals

Has Trotz Finally Found the Right Combinations?

Ben Lutz | November 20, 2016

Even though the Washington Capitals have only played 17 games, it already feels like three different seasons have been played. The first season occurred when head coach Barry Trotz had…

Categories Advanced Stats, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin & Backstrom: A Decaying Tandem?

Ben Lutz | November 4, 2016

Coming into last weekend, the Washington Capitals were in the middle of a season-wide slump, to the tune of a 3-2-1 record. If that doesn’t look like an overreaction, I…

Categories Advanced Stats, Washington Capitals

Beginning of the End for Capitals?

Ben Lutz | October 13, 2016

Every year, there is nothing like the pressure of becoming a Stanley Cup contender. Everybody wants to be one of the elite, yet not everyone is at the top of…

Categories Capitals Management, Washington Capitals

Washington’s Projected Scratches and Call-Ups for 2016-17

Ben Lutz | October 7, 2016

With the NHL season upon us, every team is slowly making the necessary cuts to fit 23 players into their opening day roster. While all the focus will be on…

Categories Capitals Prospects, Hershey Bears, Washington Capitals

Nerdin’ it Out: 2016 RIT Hockey Analytics Conference

Ben Lutz | September 20, 2016

Slowly but surely, another NHL season is upon us that will bring many storylines. While some journalists will cover the games, some hardworking men and women will gather as much…

Categories Advanced Stats

Why Is Ross Mahoney So Important to the Capitals?

Ben Lutz | August 9, 2016

A few weeks ago, reports came out that new Las Vegas General Manager George McPhee sought Washington’s permission to interview Ross Mahoney for the vacant assistant general manager position. Considering…

Categories Capitals Management, Washington Capitals

Washington’s 2016 Offseason Preview

Ben Lutz | June 24, 2016

By Sunday, it will be two weeks since the Stanley Cup Playoffs finally came to an end with the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the Championship. While fans from one city are…

Categories Capitals Management, Washington Capitals

Washington’s 5 Most Important Free Agents in 2016

Ben Lutz | May 27, 2016

Now that the Washington Capitals have had a few weeks pass since their latest playoff elimination, the team will now gear up towards a prospectively less eventful, but still important,…

Categories Advanced Stats, Free Agents, Trending, Washington Capitals

Stanley Quips: What Does Postseason Failure Really Look Like?

Ben Lutz | May 13, 2016

Another season, another playoff disappointment. That’s what almost everyone will remember of the 2015-16 Washington Capitals and not the fact that they had their second greatest regular season in franchise…

Categories Advanced Stats, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals

Stanley Quips: Uncovering Matt Murray and Trotz’s Greatest Flaw

Ben Lutz | May 6, 2016

With Pittsburgh’s overtime win last Wednesday, they have now grabbed a three games to one advantage that will be difficult for them to lose. Of the 82 situations in Stanley…

Categories Advanced Stats, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals

Can the Capitals End Mike Sullivan’s Success

Ben Lutz | April 28, 2016

It was December 12th when Pittsburgh decided to go a different direction by firing head coach Mike Johnston and replacing him with assistant Mike Sullivan. It was a move general…

Categories Advanced Stats, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals
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Editor’s Choices

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Oilers Pundit Hints at Rift Between Jarry and Core Group

NHL Rumours: Matthews’ Future, Canucks Decisions & Senators Defense Worries

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Recent Posts

  • 2 Takeaways from Devils’ Disappointing 3-0 Loss to Red Wings
  • 3 Takeaways From the Sirens’ Strong 6-2 Win Over the Charge
  • Blue Jackets Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Garland Acquisition, Playoff Push, Injury Bug and More
  • Senators Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Wild Card Push, Trade Deadline Shake-up and More
  • Rangers Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Trocheck Stays, Minor Moves, Lottery Watch and More