NHL teams face regression risks this season. Morgan Geekie jumps to the top line with Boston, shooting% spikes and a near-30 goal ceiling look probable but not guaranteed. Scheifele may drop from elite status as Jets’ PP changes bite his pace. Protas surprised last year, yet sustained 21% shooting is unlikely. Hagel, Stone, and Duchene all carry notable regression risk due to line shifts, health, or role changes. Expect 22–26, 30/77, ~20, and 21/40-type outputs respectively, with upside dampened by tougher matchups and shooting normalization.

Shots, lines, and power-play dynamics shape these projections. Each player’s fate hinges on role stability, opponents’ adjustments, and the persistence of high shooting rates. The piece weighs who might still carve solid fantasy value despite regression, highlighting top-line exposure, minutes, and the likelihood of less favorable matchups as seasons begin.

Capitals roll to a 5-1 preseason win over Philadelphia at Hershey’s Giant Center, signaling strength up and down the lineup. Milano scored twice, boosting his bid to rejoin the NHL squad, while Cristall and Miroshnichenko opened and pressured for more. Lapierre piled up three assists, underscoring his growing playmaking touch. McMichael added a shorthanded tally, and Stevenson held the crease with 15 saves as Washington’s depth shined in a key window before the season.

The night also highlighted the Capitals’ Hershey pipeline and Spencer Carbery’s homecoming, with Matt Strome contributing for the Bears and the Strome family name woven into the storyline. Depth, speed and a promising rookie cohort stood out as October approaches, giving the Caps confidence in their readiness for the regular season.

The Capitals’ preseason development camp in Annapolis put a spotlight on a rising wave of talent. Andrew Cristall, Ryan Leonard, and Ilya Protas showed why they’re on the radar, blending speed, IQ, and size as drills run by a veteran staff headlined by Olie Kolzig, Brooks Orpik, Braden Holtby and Jim Slater. Off-ice bonding at the Naval Academy reinforced team cohesion as Washington faces an aging core and eyes a youth-driven push into the NHL lineup this fall.

The Washington Capitals faced a tough start to their playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, suffering a 2-1 overtime loss in Game 1. The Capitals took the lead thanks to Aliaksei Protas' goal early in the second period, but the Hurricanes equalized with Logan Stankoven's strike in the third. Jaccob Slavin's game-winner in overtime sealed the fate for Washington, with the Canes dominating the shot count 33-14. Capitals' goaltender Logan Thompson made 31 saves, while Frederik Andersen made a successful return to stop 13 of 14 shots.

Tom Wilson added some drama during a stoppage by playfully snatching Sebastian Aho's mouth guard before returning it under the watchful eye of officials. In the aftermath, Wilson remained optimistic, emphasizing the team's experience and resilience despite the setback. Coach Spencer Carbery was less than pleased, labeling the performance as underwhelming and signaling the need for changes ahead of Game 2.

The Carolina Hurricanes edged out the Washington Capitals 2-1 in an intense overtime battle to take Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Jaccob Slavin notched the overtime winner, beating Logan Thompson from just inside the blue line, while Frederik Andersen made a successful return, allowing only one goal and making 13 saves.

The game shifted momentum midway through the third period when Logan Stankoven scored after a costly turnover by the Capitals, igniting Carolina's comeback. The Hurricanes dominated the offense, outshooting the Capitals 33 to 14, while their perfect penalty kill kept Washington's power play at bay.

Andersen's return was crucial for Carolina, who improved their postseason record to 4-1. The series continues with Game 2 in Washington, where both teams will look to assert their dominance.