By virtually every metric, the Washington Capitals under Barry Trotz (and even predating his tenure) were a top team. But when it came to their identity, the Capitals were firmly considered offensively inclined, a group highlighted by the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and John Carlson.



That was until last season, when Trotz tightened the defensive clamps, hammered home the principles the Capitals were directed to live by and helped steer that ship in the right direction.



The result? After Washington held a meeting about three-quarters of the way into the season to discuss defense, the Capitals found their stride. From Feb. 27 on (Washington’s final 19 games in the season), the team allowed 2.62 goals-per-game, the seventh-best mark in the NHL. It was an improvement of nearly a quarter goal-per-game (down from 2.94) and it didn’t end there. Eleven times during their playoff run, Washington allowed two or fewer goals, including consecutive...