It was supposed to be different this time.
And not necessarily in a good way.
After a nice run of being regarded as a serious Stanley Cup contender, Washington was supposed to take a step — if not several — back in 2017-18.
Salary-cap issues that prevented the Capitals from retaining key players such as defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, a prized acquisition at the 2017 trade deadline, and winger Justin Williams figured to lead to significant roster downgrades.
Their chronic inability to get past the second round of the playoffs, something Washington hasn’t managed since 1998, was expected to prompt some major changes, as well.