from Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid-Atlantic,

A year ago, the Capitals were 2-0-2 with six points after their first four games under new coach Barry Trotz. This season they also have six points after four games (3-1-0) as they head into tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames (8:30 pregame, CSN).

But the players and coach agree there is a big difference in the learning curve.

“There was so much to learn last year,” Caps defenseman Karl Alzner said. “I’d come home from the rink and my head hurt.”

After a quick 3-0-2 start to last season the Caps struggled, losing six of their next seven games. By early December they were still treading water with a 10-10-4 record after 24 games.

“If you don’t get off to a good start you’re chasing the eight ball all year,” Trotz said. “If you’re not in the playoffs by Thanksgiving the odds of getting in are pretty small. Last year we weren’t and we beat the odds a little bit.”

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