Jimdahl, I agree with you on most points. As a sioux fan I tend to look at strength of schedule. And when the Caps play within a division where a majority of their games come from teams that are out of the playoff race in February its tough for me to take a team seriously. This is contrary to this year as the Caps division was much stronger which to me made them a better team. Injuries killed the Caps, and I like the moves that McPhee (believe his job is safe) made near the deadline. Wideman will be huge for the Caps going into 11-12. I feel like the Caps need more depth at defense to really make that big playoff push and he will help. Carlson is great, Green stays healthy, Schultz gets back his numbers, and Erskine plays a little bit more and you got a descent top 5 for the D corps.
My biggest concern is O-vie. He is a great player, I'm not discounting that at all, but from a leadership standpoint, I dont think that's his role. You look at Louongo being stripped of his C, and look it that team this year (albeit their the best team on paper) I feel that with Ovie its more all about him, and what can he do to try and win a game, then what can the team do. You don't see that with players like Lidstrom, Crosby, Niedermeyer, and our beloved Toews. Those guys are more team oriented and outstanding Captains with proven leadership. I'd like to see someone else get the "C" next season on the Caps. If Arnott sticks around he would be great, even Wideman.
I will step off my soapbox now.