First-round picks: None (first pick in second round, 55th overall)
2000-01 record: 41-27-10-4, 96 points (10th overall)
What they need
The key word here is offense. Washington's leading scorer last season was 38-year-old center Adam Oates. The Caps have a fine group of defensemen, but could use another goaltender to spell starter Olaf Kolzig every now and then.
In the system
Washington's first two selections last year were both forwards from the Western Hockey League. Center Brian Sutherby (26th overall) has shown some promise at Moose Jaw. Matt Pettinger, of the Calgary Hitmen, was pointless in 10 games for the Caps last season. Both will get a close look in training camp, as will will center Kris Beech (7th overall in '99), another product of the WHL who appeared in four games with Washington last season.
Also of note is center Michal Sivek (29th overall in '99), a standout at Prince Albert (WHL). In goal, Jomar Cruz, Washington's top pick in '98 (49th overall), also comes out of the Western League (Brandon).
Recent draft history
Since selecting Olaf Kolzig with the 19th pick overall in 1989, the Caps haven't had much luck with their top overall selections. True, they did well with defensemen Sergei Gonchar (14th overall in 1992) and Brendan Witt (11th overall in 1993). but the rest of their top picks since 1990 (John Slaney, Pat Peake, Nolan Baumgartner, Brad Church, Alexandre Volchkov and Nick Boynton) haven't fared as well.
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