How is the squad this year compared to last year?
Goalies:
Labbè vs Cassivi - Cassivi is, as Labbè was last year, the key to success. He must be among the best goalies in the league if Caps is going to the final. I thought Labbè had an ok season last year, but maybe a bit unstabile and not good enough in the most important matches.
Hummel has hopefully taken anothr step forward. As you understand im not from Vienna so i dont really understand this Hummel-hype...he is not a very big talent in my eyes. But he is ok as a second choice..maybe first choice once in the future.
Defenders:
Werenka - Bjornlie: Bjornlie is pure class. Great defender and even better when attacking. Im not so sure about Werenka...he is sooo slow now. He surely has the level in his brain still, but is his body still there?
Casparsson - Kranjc: The swede has an ok season last year, im not sure if Kranjc is a better player than Lynch, who was great before xmas and poor after xmas last season. Hopefully Kranjc will have his form in the playoffs!
Lukas - Teppert: Takes over from Altmann/Nolan. I have a feeling that the last points in the squad will be used on a defender. There is something about Teppert...he can do great things and next second something stupid. I hope he can become a good defender, but im not sure.
Schweda - try out back: Will hopefully not play a lot.
Forwards:
Lebeau - Gratton - Tropper: Gratton is in my eyes the best player in the league. The heart and soul of the Capitals. Lebeau is a good goalscorer, but how is his body? Will it last another season? Tropper is a good enguine to have in such a line.
Rodman - Rodman - Rotter: This is the main difference for Caps this season. 2 really good lines. Hopefully Rotter can find back to the form before his injury last season and this will be a really good 2nd line.
Ofner - Selmser - Dolezal: Im still not sure what Dolezals game is about. He is weird... Selmser is hardworking and i think Ofner will be a good addition. Can hopefully play a lot 4 against 5.
Kraxner - Nageler - Lederer: This line must be used for any chance of success. But it is very important that they dont lose their 5-7 minutes of the match. Are they good enough? I dont know...
And then there are also the other try out players. Will be an interesting season and it is great to have the option to get another foreigner without reaching the limit on the points!
Others who have suggestions for line ups?