from Alex Prewitt of Capitals Insider,

At the end of his first regular season atop the Washington Capitals’ front office, General Manager Brian MacLellan discussed the transformation that unfolded under his watch. Last summer, MacLellan was the surprise in-house successor to George McPhee, charged with reshaping a franchise that missed the postseason for the first time in seven years. His moves were minimal but calculated: hiring Coach Barry Trotz, three summer signings, two deadline trades. And in just his third interview session since the season began, MacLellan assessed the Metropolitan Division’s No. 2 seed, a team with home-ice advantage in the first round against the New York Islanders.

“Obviously it’s a noticeable difference in the way we play and the energy that’s brought in the room and on the ice,” he said. “It’s been fun to watch and develop throughout the year. I feel optimistic that it’s going to continue to move into the right direction and grateful that it’s happened.”

MacLellan echoed what several players have voiced in recent days: that the Capitals’ current style would lead to more postseason success. While serving as an assistant general manager, mostly in a professional scouting role, MacLellan watched Washington reach six straight postseasons but never advance beyond the second round.

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