The Washington Capitals begin their hockey season tonight in Atlanta against the Thrashers. After last season’s flameout in the first round after winning President’s Trophy, there is a bit of anxiety heading into the season that was not present a year ago. Most of the team, save goaltender Jose Theodore comes back, including the core of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Mike Green, along with Mike Knuble, Matt Bradley, Jeff Schultz, Brooks Laich and others.

A lot of people are excited about the addition of enforcer D.J. King, but I’m ambivalent about him. Do the Caps really need an enforcer come playoff time? Lacking an enforcer was not what cost the series against the Montreal Canadiens last year, a hot goaltender and inability/reluctance to get dirty goals from close range hurt the Caps an awful lot. I still think there is something to my theory that the Caps need a “broomball mentality” — willingness to camp out in front of the net and fight for goals.

I expect the Caps will have fewer regular season wins and more post-season wins. Since playoff series are about matchups, I’m not going to predict how far they will get, other than I expect them to advance out of the first round. Stanley Cup or best is the way a lot of people are looking at the Caps season. I’m fine with that attitude now and for the next several seasons.

SEASON PREVIEWS

Capitals 2010 – The Post
2010-11 Washington Capitals Season Preview – Japers Rink
30 TEAMS IN 30 DAYS: WASHINGTON CAPITALS – TSN
Capitals: 10 Things You Need To Know – ESPN
Six Players To Watch On The 2010 Washington Capitals – SB Nation