2006 Washington Capitals Preview

2006 Washington Capitals Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Washington Capitals Hockey Season Preview

This team led the league in penalties with 660 of them and was 28th overall in the penalty kill. Additionally, their defense was 29th. Although they’ve added some tested talent, it’s doubtful you’ll see the Capitals in this year’s playoffs.

Last year’s Caldor Cup winner, left winger Alex Ovechkin (52 G, 54 A, 106 Pts) was spectacular, living up to every expectation and more. On line with Ovechkin are the vastly improved Dainius Zubrus (23 G, 34 A, 57 Pts) at center and Chris Clark (20 G, 19 A, 39 Pts) on right wing. Winger Matt Pettinger (20 G, 18 A, 38 Pts) was also a force on the ice. Recently acquired Richard Zednik (16 G, 14 A, 30 Pts) should make this squad even better.

The defense was absolutely terrible last season. The Caps signed free agent Brian Pothier (5 G, 30 A, 35 Pts) and added Mike Green, a talented young defenseman from Hershey (AHL). Pothier, with talent and experience, should add stability to the group and will be a good counterpart to Jamie Heward (7 G, 21 A, 28 Pts). Some young players like Shaone Morrisonn showed improvement as last season wore on. However, much of this year’s defense will be playing in their first NHL season. There’s talent there but a lot of inexperience.

In goal, Olaf Kolzig (59 GP, 20 W, 28 L, 11 OT. 3.53 GAA, .896 SP) continues to play at an extraordinary level, despite the fact that he’s been surrounded by an inferior defense for years. Kolzig is tough, competitive, big and dexterous—the ultimate NHL goaltender. Backup Brent Johnson (26 GP, 9 W, 12 L, 1 OT, 3.44 GAA, .905 SP) improved throughout last season and will be able to spell Kolzig throughout this season.

Kolzig continued to keep his team in games last season when the defense faltered. An improved offense should raise this team’s ranking of 23 in that area. The defense is a work-in-progress; expect them to look better while still continuing to make mistakes.

For more information on the 2006 Washington Hockey Club check out the Capitals team website.