Capitals' offseason moves aim for playoff return as Ovechkin chases Gretzky

In the United States, the Washington Capitals experienced a significant offseason following their playoff exit last season, where they were swept by the New York Islanders in the first round. The team, under the leadership of head coach Spencer Carbery, made several roster changes, including the departure of key players like goaltender Darcy Kuemper and forward T.J. Oshie. In their place, the Capitals welcomed new talent, including center Pierre-Luc Dubois and defenseman Jakob Chychrun, aiming to bolster their chances for the upcoming season. Alex Ovechkin, now 39, is in pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record, and the Capitals hope that Dubois can help him achieve this milestone. The team is banking on a strong performance from their revamped blue line and improved goaltending to secure a wild-card playoff spot. Last season, the Capitals struggled offensively, averaging only 2.63 goals per game, which was the lowest among playoff teams. The Capitals' success will depend on the performance of their new additions and the ability of players like Ovechkin and defenseman John Carlson to lead the team. With the pressure on the wingers to fill the void left by Oshie, the Capitals are looking to improve their scoring output and overall team performance. As the season approaches, the Capitals are hopeful that their offseason changes will translate into a successful campaign. Overall, the Capitals are in a transitional phase, aiming to return to playoff contention while supporting Ovechkin's historic chase for the all-time goals record.