Heading into the upcoming season, a question remains for the Washington Capitals. They have a gap in the lineup at the third line center position. So, who exactly fits in at that position?
The Capitals have a couple of different options. Jay Beagle has experience centering several different lines for the Capitals. But the most intriguing option is the second-year pro Andre Burakovsky.
Last pre-season, the Capitals experimented with Burakovsky and Evgeny Kuznetsov at center, desperately trying to find someone to fill the second line gap. Kuznetsov won the job, and Burakovsky was in and out of the lineup, but was primarily utilized as winger, splitting time on virtually any line. He finished his rookie season with nine goals and 13 assists in 53 games.
Now, Burakovsky has solidified himself as a full-time NHL player in the lineup. But will he find himself as a top-six forward, or will he center the third line?
Burakovsky doesn't really care either way.
“I know what’s going to happen and I feel comfortable with how I’m going to start the season,” Burakovsky told the Washington Post's Alex Prewitt. “No issues if I play center. I’m just going to go out there and do my job. I don’t care where I’m playing."
Regardless of whether he plays on the first, second or third line, the Capitals have an abundance of top-six-caliber forwards. With the additions of T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams, the Capitals can now afford to slide an offensive-scorer on the third line, potentially giving the Capitals three legitimate scoring lines for the first time in a couple of seasons.
One thing Capitals head coach Barry Trotz has to consider is that his first-line center, Nicklas Backstrom, may be out at the beginning of the season. Backstrom's future remains uncertain as he recovers from offseason hip surgery. If he misses time, Burakovsky may even see some time as a center somewhere within the top six.
That's something Burakovsky is comfortable with, but it will still be difficult for the 20-year-old forward.
“Of course it’s always hard to be center, I think, you have to think a lot more and it’s tougher in D-zone," Burakovsky said. "Wings have to cover their D’s, and centers have to be all over the ice. I think it’s a lot tougher to be center, but I like it a lot too. It doesn’t really matter to me. I like both. I got no problem with that. I just want to play and help the team win.”
(h/t Washington Post)
