What Does it All Mean

Huge win in FLA, two inexcusable defeats during arguably the most important stretch of the season followed two convincing wins, one on the road. And all days before the trade deadline. Many, including this blog, felt that the last 6 games would determine the fate and direction of the team for the rest of the season. And naturally, they went 3-3 and ended with 2 wins in a row, leaving them points wise in the same spot as before but with a sense of optimism that they might be close to turning the corner. What it also does is confirm that this team is both inconsistent and lacks identity. But if you take the pulse of Caps nation today, many would say the season is still very much

The feeling that the Caps are not dead yet is a fair one. They are getting very lucky right now, that despite their play, they are staying in the same spot in the standings because every team around them is also floundering. All that has really changed is that the Jets are now in the mix. Florida is becoming the team everyone thought they were, good but not a threat, and Toronto is doing the typical Toronto flop. So the Capitals are alive.

At the same time though, there is no doubt that this team has issues and many of them are not quick fixes. Hunter is beginning to look Ike he might not be the answer, which is not helped by the tear Bruce Boudreau is currently on. The power play is still terrible and the Caps trend of playing poorly early on the road has crippled their record.

So, what should GMGM do before 3pm tomorrow? Those who see the team as flawed, lacking depth, talent, and the consistency necessary to make it out of the first round would advocate selling the team, which means moving Semin, Vokoun, Knuble, Halpern, Hamrilk, And Wideman for picks and prospects. Those who have been fooled into thinking this is a Stanley Cup team again would throw the farm at Columbus order Nashville for Rick Nash and Ryan Suter. So, what to do?

Not to take the easy why out, but the answer lies in between. The Caps are only 1 point out of the playoffs and the 3rd seed. And while the road trip could have gone better, they did pick up 6 points a kept pace. Even if you do not think they are capable of a run, a team cannot completely sell when they are clearly in the hunt. It sends the wrong message to the team, coaches, and fans. And do not underestimate that last point. The Caps have build a strong brand in DC cannot ruin that by selling when 1 point out. There is also the impact of Mike Green's return. Despite his polarizing effect on Caps Nation, there is no doubt the team plays better when him in place. So, in a way, the Caps have already made an internal trade deadline upgrade. Plus, action at the trade deadline would do exactly what many have thought the Caps have needed in the past, meaning games down the stretch to transition into a run in April, May, and June.

So, do both. First, move Knuble and Hamirlik at minimum. They are great for teams firmly in the playoffs, but bad for those fighting to get in. Take picks, players, or prospects. It does not matter. Also consider moving Vokoun for a big enough return. The Caps need offense and Neuvirth looks like he can handle the rest of the year. But do not move him for nothing. Then, make a play for a center. This can be a bigger splash move than normal for McPhee at the deadline. Possible targets should be Derek Roy, Derek Brassard, or the newly available Tomas Plakanec, who would be a perfect fit with Alex Semin and a potent one-two punch with Backstrom if he returns. All these deals should be possible with picks as long as McPhee turns the players above into picks. The only big name I would consider moving is Semin and only if he returns something solid. I doubt he is back next year either way. So essentially, buy and sell to give you a chance this year without forfeiting the farm, which might be needed if this all fails.

If none of this works and the season goes down in flames, blow it up this offseason. But there is no reason to do it at the deadline given where they stand today.