The Verdict: 6 NHL Teams Poised To Do Major Damage In 2014-15′ Season

Mar 4, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen (2) brings the puck up ice during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike Strasinger-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals:

For a team whose defensive struggles played a huge role in their first postseason miss since 2007, the Capitals scored big by acquiring former Pittsburgh Penguin teammates Matt Niskanen (pictured above) and Brooks Orpik. They then added backup goaltender Justin Peters to take some pressure off young starter Braden Holtby.

Only 27 years old, Niskanen set a number of career highs last season. He led all NHL blueliners with a plus-33 rating and tallied six game-winning goals, ranking second on the Pittsburgh team behind Chris Kunitz. Orpik, meanwhile, topped all teammates in blocked shots and all team defenseman in hits during the 2013-14′ season. He’s also served as an alternate captain for the past six years.

In net, Peters allows the Capitals to take their time bringing up Philip Grubauer. He posted an alright 7-9-4 record, 2.50 goals-against average and .919 save percentage while appearing in a career-high 21 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but solid for a guy who’s likely only playing in back-to-backs.

Their offense is pretty much set with 2014 Rocket Richard Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Joel Ward among others. Even so, they drafted AHL Hershey left winger Nathan Walker 89th overall in this years draft. That move proves beneficial now, as the fact he’s already part of the Capitals minor league system makes him eligible for a call-up quicker than most draftees.

All things considered, the Capitals look to have filled all pressing needs, therefore making them a team to watch out for next season.