Nicklas Backstrom News

There aren't very many players who are as good as Alex Ovechkin in the NHL right now.

From Alzner to Ward, we're taking a look at and grading the 2013 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Caps for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2013-14.

The Washington Capitals took some time to get accustomed to new coach Adam Oates , opening the season 5-10-1 but, by season's end, they were looking more like the high-flying offensively-potent Capitals of a few years ago.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Winnipeg Jets during their NHL game in Washington April 23, 2013.

There are going to be people like myself who focus more on what Alex Ovechkin and Mike Ribeiro did this season for the Washington Capitals in regards to turning the season around.

This year's NHL draft should yield a number of talented players. Many of these players could be playing in the upcoming 2013-14 NHL season.

For those of you who aren't aware, there is a cyber-community of folks who make custom graphics for video games, including for EA Sports NHL.

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green is known for more than just his defensive skills .

From Alzner to Ward, we're taking a look at and grading the 2013 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Caps for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2013-14. Next up, Matt Hendricks.

There are special periods throughout the Capitals history when two players have come together to achieve singular success: an awesome twosome, a potent pair, a lethal duo.

The 2013-14 season promises to be a very important one for the Washington Capitals .

With their offseason in full swing, the Washington Capitals can now focus on re-signing a small handful of free agents.

Going into the offseason, the Washington Capitals and General Manager George McPhee have a lot of decisions to make.

Make memories with your kids at a National's game. Learn how to ski. Surprise the women you love with a Pandora bracelet.

A quick note: Players' salaries, not their salary cap hits, were included for offseason purposes.

Centermen are expected to assist teammates, orchestrate the power play and score the occasional goal, all while winning faceoffs and playing defense.

Matt Hendricks will get a new contract from someone this summer. Whether the Washington Capitals will give it to him remains to be seen.

The Washington Capitals may not have been able to make the deep playoff run they were hoping to, but they should have a good shot at getting back to the postseason with almost their entire roster set to return next season.