Three consecutive Southeast Division titles have netted Washington (54-15-13) a total of one playoff series victory, and this spring’s first-round loss to eighth-seeded Montreal was especially painful after the Capitals led the series 3-1.
High-powered Washington scored 45 more goals than any other team during the season, but managed one in each of the last three games en route to elimination.
Boudreau’s toughest job may be keeping his team focused even though the Capitals won’t be able to answer their biggest questions until at least April.
There seems little doubt that the Capitals will reach the postseason, with Ovechkin back to lead the way following his third consecutive 50-goal season.
Nicklas Backstrom topped the 100-point mark for the first time in 2009-10, while Alexander Semin scored a career-high 40 goals and defenseman Mike Green added a career-best 76 points.
The Capitals opted not to re-sign 30-game winner Jose Theodore in the offseason and presumptive starter Semyon Varlamov is recovering from an undisclosed injury, likely leaving Michal Neuvirth to start Friday.
It won’t matter who’s in net if the Thrashers (35-34-13) can’t contain Washington better than they did last season.
The Capitals totaled 29 goals while winning all six meetings in regulation, extending an eight-game win streak against Atlanta that dates to April 2009.
Three other players who aided the Blackhawks’ championship effort - forwards Ben Eager and Andrew Ladd and defenseman Brent Sopel - have joined Atlanta, while veteran goalie Chris Mason arrived to share the load with 23-year-old Ondrej Pavelec.
The Thrashers, who have reached the playoffs once in franchise history, will begin the season with Alex Burmistrov on the roster after they selected the 18-year-old center eighth in the 2010 draft. Atlanta is also looking for progress from two other recent top picks in 19-year-old forward Evander Kane and 20-year-old defenseman Zach Bogosian.Watch Live Online Give it a try >>>
