Washington Capitals: What every contender can learn from them
By Rohan Yaradi
San Jose Sharks: Better Offensive Depth
The San Jose Sharks have been considered by many to be the Washington Capitals of the Western Conference. Like the Caps, the Sharks have a history of disappointing playoff exits after great regular seasons, as well as their own legend in search of a cup in Joe Thornton.
It should not be too much of a surprise, then, that what would help San Jose the most would be what many experts attribute Washington’s championship to. Per JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington:
"What was lost in Vegas’ impressive postseason run was the fact that the Caps’ roster was far superior in terms of depth. In terms of pure talent, the Caps had the edge over the Golden Knights on every single line."
Think back to the storylines surrounding this team during the cup run: the elevated play of Lars Eller, the emergence of Devante Smith-Pelly, and the importance of adding Michal Kempny. All of these elements have one thing in common – they were depth players that stepped up.
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Eller and Smith Pelly, in particular, are illustrative of what the Sharks can learn from the Washington Capitals: the depth players on offense must step up. San Jose has great top-end talent and a stud blue-line, especially after trading for Erik Karlsson.
What the Sharks lack, however, is that potential difference-maker outside of their top-six forwards. Based on their depth chart, San Jose will currently be counting on Kevin Labanc and Timo Meier, among others, to continue to put up solid offensive numbers.
During their ten playoff games last season, however, only Logan Couture was over a point-per-game. Only five players had more than five points in ten games. Depth players such as Joonas Donsko and Melker Karlsson did not contribute as much as San Jose likely needed them to.
It is possible that these depth players and others will be able to step up in the playoffs, but it may be worth it for San Jose to look into acquiring a solid middle-six forward who can contribute in important situations.
The addition of Erik Karlsson may elevate everybody on the team, but if there is one lesson the Sharks can learn from the Washington Capitals, it is that a little depth can go a long way.