from Chuck Gormley of CSNWashington,
“We were outshot and outchanced last year and that hasn’t been the case at all this year,” Trotz said. “But we’re not producing more goals at this point. We can have a little more of an interior presence.”
The real positive difference this season has been where many believe it matters most -- shots allowed and goals against.
Last season the Caps allowed an average of 33.5 shots per game, which ranked 27th in the NHL, and 2.79 goals against, which ranked 21st. This season they’re allowing 27.2 shots, which ranks fourth in the league, and 2.62 goals, which ranks 15th.
“If you look analytically, we’re much better,” Trotz said. “But we need more goals 5-on-5. That’s the process. You fix one thing and something else goes. You fix another thing and something else goes. You’re always chasing that, no matter what team you have.”
Perhaps the best judges of the progress made under Trotz are the players themselves. Jay Beagle, who has been with the Capitals through four coaching changes the past four years, says the change has been more significant than the standings may reflect.
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