The Fourth Period :: Washington Capitals :: Capitals should be active at deadline


February 22, 2012 \| 10:39am ET

Capitals should be active at deadline
TheFourthPeriod.com

According to the Washington Post, the Capitals are likely to be active at the deadline whether they decide to be buyers or sellers.

Although many would suggest acquire some key elements off the rental market following the Caps' embarrassing 5-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and their third-string goalie on Monday, the team remains close to playoff contention as it sits two points out of the final playoff spot and only two points behind first-place Florida Panthers in the Southeast Division.

However, there is an equally strong argument that can be made for Capitals GM George McPhee to shed salary at the deadline to get a jump start on a team that clearly needs retooling.

The Caps were outshot 40-17 on Monday against the Canes and the club's offensive struggles are not expected to be solved by trading for short-term help at center and on the back end.

McPhee and the Caps have three games left prior to the Feb. 27 trade deadline to determine whether the team is just a few tweaks away from the playoffs or in need of a significant reboot.

It is believed the Capitals are shopping veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik, though a deal is not believed to be imminent.

More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades | No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses | Top 25 Available Players | Team-by-Team Cap Info