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Caught between an owner's belief that the Caps can win now and a reality in which early losses have made the playoffs a long shot, GM George McPhee must decide which direction to turn for the rest of this season: Deal to win now? Or play the long game?

Blog | Conversation | February 07, 2013

Grant Sonier evaluates the five best draft classes for individual teams since 2002, noting that while Sidney Crosby may be the game's best player, the Pens' 2005 haul wasn't quite deep enough to snag the No. 1 spot.

Blog | Conversation | December 26, 2012

Craig Custance writes that the Washington Capitals are facing several big questions this offseason, including whom the team will target to be its next coach.

Blog | Conversation | May 15, 2012

Washington Capitals D Mike Green's transition to Hunter Hockey has not been a smooth one, and complicating things further is looming contract uncertainty. Can he step up as the Caps' playoff run continues?

Blog | Conversation | May 07, 2012

Dale Hunter got the first win under his belt this weekend, but if the Capitals' spiral continues, player changes could be next. If the Caps decide their core is rotten, how would they look on the trade market?

Blog | Conversation | December 05, 2011

In his weekly mailbag, Craig Custance looks at the Blackhawks MVP, the slipping Capitals, possible changes in Carolina and the return of Crosby.

Blog | Conversation | November 18, 2011

Hockey Prospectus continues its top-10 series by picking this season's top projected blueliners, led by Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien, thanks in large part to his offensive contributions.

Story | Conversation | September 29, 2011

Craig Button analyzes the Capitals' options this offseason, writing that trading one of the team's young goalies or defenseman Mike Green could be the team's best move.

Blog | Conversation | May 18, 2011

A slight frame may make Kitchener D Ryan Murphy a gamble in the eyes of some NHL scouts and GMs, but, as Alvin Chang writes, spending a draft pick on an elusive offensive defensemen is a risky proposition no matter what.

Blog | Conversation | May 04, 2011

Former NHL scout and GM Craig Button provides a blueprint for how to defeat the Washington Capitals.

Story | Conversation | April 08, 2011

Craig Button examines why the Washington Capitals have been unable to score goals this season and what is wrong with their power play.

Story | Conversation | February 11, 2011

Alvin Chang examines how NHL teams can up their odds at landing a top tier defenseman in the draft, a la the Anaheim Ducks and rookie Cam Fowler.

Blog | Conversation | December 15, 2010

Corey Pronman of Hockey Prospectus looks at the 'struggles' -- i.e. they're not dominating the East -- of the Capitals. Based on a variety of factors, specifically shot-based data, they should end up being fine -- just like the '08-'09 Pens.

Story | Conversation | December 15, 2010

E.J. Hradek ranks the top 10 defensemen in the NHL this season, noting the his No. 1 choice might even be underrated.

Blog | Conversation | September 29, 2010

The Washington Capitals possess an explosive offense. If the defense can hold up, they should challenge for the Cup.

Story | Conversation | September 27, 2010

Insider is looking at potential offseason fixes for every single NHL team. For the Capitals, it's simple -- they have all the pieces (and the contracts) and great puck-movers on defense. They just need a shut-down guy and they can take the next step.

Story | Conversation | June 16, 2010