It's going to be interesting to see what happens with the roster when Backstrom, Oshie, Dowd, and Mantha come back. Personally, I think McMichael has earned a full time job in the NHL, but he may be the odd man out because he doesn't need to pass through waivers to be sent down.

Again, Samsonov isn't as bad at people say. When you actually watch him he looks solid in net, but has some unfortunate goals go his way. Last game in Columbus especially he looked pretty solid. Vanacek is also decent, and teams have made the cup without having elite goaltending (ex. the 2010 Flyers with Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton) With how well this team is playing despite lacking the whole 2nd line, I think this team is easily a contender for the 1 seed in the Metro.

Also good to see that by the time everyone is back the Capitals won't need to make a cap dump move right away.

He had a shutout last game lol.

Yep, further proving how overhated he is.