Fans aren’t the only ones who (begrudgingly) think that this might finally be the Caps’ year – almost a third of NHL coaches think so too.
Hockey Hall of Fame journalist Bob McKenzie released his annual midseason coaches poll on Monday. Of the 25 bench bosses who responded, 15 of the coaches believe the Caps will play in the Stanley Cup final, and 10 believe that the Caps will hoist Lord Stanley.
While 10 coaches believe that the Caps will win its first league championship, another eight believe that the Penguins, who beat the Caps in the second round of the playoffs last season, will defend their title.
Capitals forwards Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom both snagged a vote for the league’s best player.
And in a surprise, reigning Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby only got two votes for league’s best goaltender.
Apparently you’re ON the force, Bobrovsky!
Barry Trotz received no votes as coach of the year.
Last season, seven coaches picked Washington to win the Stanley Cup while 25 out of 27 believed they’d make the finals. And yeah, that totally didn’t happen.
How do we feel about all of this?
