The Capitals’ resurgence last spring proved that the window hasn’t yet closed for the most exciting core in franchise history. The gray hair and 30th birthday jokes trotted out by captain Alex Ovechkin Friday afternoon were a reminder that it won’t stay open forever.
This town has seen winning bubbles deflated by torn ligaments and firearm stunts, the promise of annual playoff appearances spoiled by the reality of annual playoff exits. Amid those disappointments, some have asked for more front-office urgency, more focus on winning today rather than protecting tomorrow. Enter Brian MacLellan.
His first full offseason as general manager of the Capitals included the signing of Game 7 sorcerer Justin Williams, and the splashy trade for top-six forward and Olympic hero T.