Jim Williams: Adapting to new systemis key for Capitals to make playoffs

Was the coaching move from Bruce Boudreau to Dale Hunter needed?

Engblom » “Tough call. I don’t know if the move was necessary. Bruce was working on the team’s defense. That said, I wasn’t surprised when they made the change to Hunter. I know management really felt that going for a more defense-minded coach was what the team needed. From a total team standpoint, they are still working hard to learn the Hunter system. It has been tough and often frustrating because this is a team built for offense attempting to play a more defensive style. So their frustration has made for a real pressure cooker.”

A great deal of criticism has been aimed at Alex Ovechkin. Is that fair?

Engblom » “Not really. He is the superstar, and he has to change his style the most to become more of a defensive player. You can’t underestimate the loss of the team’s playmaker Nicklas Backstrom, who sets the table for the offense and how well he sets up Ovie. But we see him out there grinding and trying to make plays, so he still remains a world-class player.”

So what do the Caps need to do to get in the Stanley Cup playoffs?

Engblom » “The Caps are one of the teams that have the weight of NHL on their shoulders. The league, team management, the fans, the media and the players all expect them to be a playoff team year in and year out. There is enough talent and drive for Washington to make the playoffs this year. They need to overcome their frustration with trying to fit this new system. The key is to be patient, and they need everyone from Ovie, Alexander Semin, Jason Chimera, Mike Green, Marcus Johansson and their goaltenders to all pick it up and drive for the playoffs.”

Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!