A narrative of slow starts has followed the Washington Capitals through personnel and coaching changes, seemingly forever linked to the organization. The team has gotten out to a good 18-game record (12-5-1), but it has continued its struggles early in games, allowing the first goal for nine straight games.
Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said the reputation for slow starts to the season must be changed from within the locker room. But the streak of trailing first in games isn’t as concerning, Trotz said, because Washington has actually improved in its first periods when compared to last season.
“You look at the chances for and against and you look at maybe zone time and things like that, they’ve been probably fairly even,” Trotz said.