Who Will Fill The Shoes Of Backstrom and Wilson?
With both Nicholas Backstrom and Tom Wilson facing major injury recoveries coming into the 2022-23 season, the Capitals will need the rest of the team to rally together to fill the gaps caused by the absences of these veteran players. Here are some players that will likely play a key role in this upcoming season.
Connor McMichael
Geoff Burke
Although he was typically positioned as a winger last season, McMichael reportedly came to camp ready to take on more responsibility at the center position. During the preseason game against the Sabres on the 25th, McMichael was given his opportunity to step up, playing as the second-line center, and impressed with six shot attempts and five scoring chances.
Anthony Mantha
Scott Taetsch
Mantha was also featured on the Capitals second-line alongside McMichael and Alexander Suzdalev. Mantha started strong putting the Capitals on the board in minute 4:05. He was also practicing with the top line veterans (Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetzov) which could indicate that the coaches have big plans for him and expect him to deliver this season.
Sunday’s preseason opener lineup featured more of the younger players on the team which demonstrates the opportunity Wilson’s and Backstrom’s absence presents. However, only time will tell if these youngsters will be able to shoulder that responsibility and mold into their own.
