What Happened
In a Sportsnet column published Oct. 9, the outlet revisited pre-season predictions and identified the Washington Capitals as one of the biggest recalibrations. According to Sportsnet, Washington has gone from playoff contender to one of the Cup favourites after missing the playoffs by four points last season. The column points to off-season additions and internal growth, and notes the club has looked dominant while creating chances at will.
Key Details
- Sportsnet reports Washington missed the playoffs by four points last season.
- The column lists the Capitals among the Cup favourites early in 2026-27.
- Ryan Leonard is skating on the fourth line with Justin Sourdif, per Sportsnet.
- Washington has used an Alex Tuch - Pierre-Luc Dubois - Tom Wilson line.
- Jordan Kyrou is described as a secondary scorer on the roster.
- Logan Thompson is called a Vezina-level goalie over the past couple of seasons.
What It Means
The column frames Washington as a team that has jumped several tiers in a short span, which changes how the rest of the league may approach matchups against them. It also suggests the Capitals' depth, from a fourth line featuring Ryan Leonard to a secondary scorer like Jordan Kyrou, is a major reason the early results look different from last season's finish.