The 12 installment of our thirty two thots trilogy includes the Washington Capitals – Larry Linke. The Capitals have built a winning formula around defensive structure and elite penalty killing, ranking 2nd in PK% (86.97%) and 7th in goals against (2.67). Their offensive game is more modest, sitting middle-of-the-pack in both goals for (2.97 – 18th) and powerplay (16.44% – 23rd). Still, a 45-22-6 record and 3rd place in the Metropolitan shows this team is a consistent, grind-it-out winner. If they can unlock a more efficient powerplay or boost their scoring depth, this team could make serious noise come playoff time.

Forwards: B+
This is a deep and versatile group. Robert Thomas, Trevor Zegras, Seth Jarvis, Adrian Kempe, and Cole Caufield all provide dynamic offensive upside with youth on their side. Chandler Stephenson and Scott Laughton give you reliability and versatility, while Frank Vatrano, Morgan Geekie, Christian Dvorak, and Freddy Gaudreau round out a tough middle/bottom six. There's no elite superstar, but there are plenty of top-six caliber players, and the depth is very impressive. One of the better forward groups in the league overall.

Defense: B
The blue line is tough and steady, though lacking a true #1. Jacob Trouba, Adam Larsson, Ryan Lindgren, and Simon Benoit are physical, shutdown-style defenders. Jeremy Lauzon and Jalen Chatfield are solid complementary pieces. What this unit lacks is offensive punch—there’s no strong power-play quarterback or elite puck-mover. But defensively, this is a battle-tested group that can hold its own.

Goalies: B+
Adin Hill brings playoff pedigree and has proven to be a clutch performer. Calvin Pickard is an OK backup, and Arvid Soderblom has NHL upside if developed correctly. You may not have a true Vezina-level starter, but Hill gives you dependable goaltending, which is a luxury in this league. Could be a sneaky strength if he continues trending up.

Prospects: C+
There’s volume here but not a lot of elite-tier potential. Dylan Peterson, Ryan Commy, Drew Fortescue, Quinn Finley, Zam Plante, and Mason Beaupit are intriguing but still long shots. Matias Mantykivi, Kirill Tankov, and Ludwig Persson are interesting, though more likely depth options. Charlie Leddy, Veeti Miettinen, and Joshua Davies round out a list that’s deep but lacks top-end NHL ceiling. This pool needs one or two guys to break out.

Draft Picks: B
Washington is loaded with picks: their 2025 1st, two 3rds, and extras in the mid-late rounds. The 2026 draft looks even better, with a full set of picks including their 1st, 2nd, and depth picks through the 7th. You’re extremely well-positioned to either make moves via trade or replenish the prospect pipeline over the next two years.

Overall Outlook: B+
Washington is a well-rounded playoff team with top-six scoring, reliable goaltending, and a war chest of picks. The defense is fine but unspectacular, and the PK needs fixing ASAP (dead last at 32nd). If you can address that glaring weakness and potentially land a top-pair D-man or elite goalie down the road, this team could evolve into a true contender. You're in a strong spot both now and long term.

Larry Linke keeps our Slack league chat in check with relentless energy, often challenging others so much they nearly quit. His blunt honesty can be tough to take, but it comes from a place of care and commitment. Larry is always present, always pushing for fairness and effort from everyone. At the end of the day, he’s a good man who wants the best for the league.

Written by Jared