Washington Capitals 2014-15 Season Preview

Sep 28, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

 1.  Trotz Effect? – Capitals’ new head coach Barry Trotz has never had the type of offensive tools at his disposal that he will have in Washington with the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green.  How will he handle them, and their previous aversion to playing all ends of the ice, will go a long way to determining whether or not he can have success.

2.  Star Power? – Assuming Trotz is demanding a 200 foot game from all players, how the stars buy into the system will determine how long he is around.  If Ovie and co. don’t, Trotz’ tenure in Washington won’t last as long as it did in Nashville.

3.  Can Holtby Be The Man?  – Washington has allowed Semyon Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth and Jaroslav Halak all leave town in the past 3 years, handing the starting job to Braden Holtby.  Holtby has had ups and downs, and it remains to be seen if he can provide the consistency the Caps will need to make up ground and catch a playoff spot.