Why are we really losing?

With the season coming to a close, I can’t help myself to think back to when we were playing great, entertaining hockey. At the time, the Capitals were in a playoff position, something Cap fans weren’t expecting out of what was to be a “re-building year.”
What did we have then compared to what we have now? Danius Zubrus? Well yes, the Zubrus deal did see the Capitals lose one of their top point getters, but is Zubrus’ departure the reasoning behind our recent losing ways?
Not technically! Although the trade did break-up one of the best line combinations in the NHL, the Caps haven’t missed a whole lot of Zubrus’ scoring touch.
If you tally up how many goals were scored seven games prior to the deal and seven games after the deal you will notice they are both at 15.
Not to harp on Brent Johnson for a second time in two nights but our losing ways haven’t come because of Zubrus’ departure (although Ovechkin has been in a slump) it has to do with goaltending. At the time of Kolzig’s injury some may argue that the Capitals were already out of the playoff race, but I think just by looking at the standings right now and seeing where Boston and Florida stand you can’t really count anyone out two months before the playoffs. I’ve noticed the media look at Ovechkin’s recent play for our severe drop in the standings, but a team that holds a 3.44 GAA (2nd worst in NHL) and a 2.89 Goals per Game Average (11th in the NHL) clearly states that their problems stem from the back.
Before I blame all of this on Johnson, I should point out that our defence holds a huge part in this. Watching Green & Eminger pretty much hand the Thrashers two of their four goals scored Monday night wasn’t pretty, but for a goaltender to win only one game out of the 13 he’s filled in for is simply awful!

My take on Novotny

I really hope this deal will result in a win for the Caps down the road. Zubrus is a 29 yr old vet who had his highest point season come last year at 57 points. Althought many would have wanted the Caps to sign him to a long-term extension, who's to say he'll be anything like he is now? Novotny on the other hand was brought up in one of the best farm systems in the NHL. He is still several years younger than Zubrus, but I think when he reaches 29 (Zubrus' age) he'll be more of an impactful player. Think of it this way. Just imagine Ovechkin in 3 or 4 years to come. There is no doubt that he will be one of, if not the elite players in the NHL. Now add players like Backstrom, Semin, Fehr, Fleischmann, etc alongside Novotny. How can you not like the looks of that? His quality and size seems to fit right into the Capitals agenda. I see him as a very similar player to Zubrus down the road, if not better. I will have my chance to see Novotny play live tonight at the Air Canada Centre as the Leafs host the Caps.