What's next for the Washington Capitals?

The Washington Capitals have joined teams like the San Jose Sharks as one of the most underachieving teams in the NHL. In fact, they are probably worse than the Sharks since they are yet to go past Round 2 in the playoffs in the Ovechkin era. This year's exit will definitely hurt the most since obviously last year. Here are some of the questions that are left to be answered by the Capitals and their organizations:

Will Bruce Boudreau be fired?

This is a tough question to answer. The Capitals have made the playoffs every year since Bruce Boudreau took over for Glen Hanlon in 2007. Last season, they won the President's Trophy for the best team in the NHL during the regular season, but in Round 1 blew a 3-1 series lead to the much lower 8th seed Montreal Canadiens. In 2008, Boudreau won the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year for leading the Capitals to the playoffs for the first time since 2003. However, since Boudreau took over, they have not advanced past Round 2. In 2008, they lost Game 7 at home in Overtime in Round 1 to the Flyers, in 2009, they got embarrassed by Pittsburgh at home in Game 7 in Round 2 and yesterday the Lightning completed their sweep of Washington. Boudreau is known as an offensive minded coach with little emphasis on structured defensive play, but he did think defense in this years playoffs, so that could be the only thing that brings him back next year.

My gut tells me, he will be fired by owner Ted Leonsis, not General Manager George McPhee. However, McPhee himself could be on the hot seat. But, I do not think a coaching change would change much in terms of trying to find playoff success. So, we shall see. Someone I see replacing him is Andy Murray.

Should the Capitals sign a long-term goaltender

In a short answer, I believe the Capitals have a goaltender of the future in Michal Neuvirth, who was not their problem against Tampa. Simeon Varlamov also has time to develop as one. But, since Ilya Bryzgalov is a free agent and with the Coyotes ownership uncertainty, I believe Ovechkin will vie for Bryzgalov's services. I believe Varlamov, Holtby or Neuvirth will be moved. Trading for Tomas Vokoun is another option.


Finally, who needs to have a big year next year?

In a list other than Ovechkin,

-Mike Green (must stay healthy)

-Nicklas Backstrom

-Alexander Semin

-Capitals Defense

-Capitals Special Teams