Hockey News Pegs Caps Second in the East

If it's August, it's prediction time, and the Hockey News sees the top two in the East just the same as last year. After rolling out teams day-by-day, the Capitals finally appeared as the second seed in the conference, with them forecast to win their third straight Southeast title.

Why: Alex Ovechkin and his mates are the most electric team in the NHL. The Caps have lost some veterans to the Kontinental League, but none were the straws that stir the drink. Last season’s crushing playoff loss to the Penguins taught hard lessons about team defense, ones that will resonate this season and keep Washington near the top of the East.

Check out their full rankings here.