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Grabovski Is Who We Need Him to Be

Mikhail Grabovski (Caps Outsider)

It’s really way too soon to write articles like this, but in just one regular season game, Mikhail Grabovski did way more than what the Caps could’ve expected in his team debut. With three goals and an assist in just over 17 minutes of play in the Caps’ 6-4 loss to Chicago, Grabovski’s offensive ability, especially on the power play, more than made up for the hole left by the departure of Mike Ribeiro.

This isn’t a HUGE surprise, though, as Grabovski killed it in the preseason as well, even though he arrived to camp late due to visa issues. The way he’s been playing lately, Caps fans had a sense he was going to rack up some points, giving what’s sure to be a preview of greater things to come on the power play with Alex OvechkinNicklas Backstrom, and Mike Green. Despite missing on a 5-on-3 opportunity down the stretch, Washington was still 3 for 6 with the man advantage, including a huge chance to tie by Grabovski in front of the net. It was the only shot of his that didn’t go in.

In his career, Grabovski, 29, averages about .6 points a game, including a goal just about every four games. That wasn’t enough for the Maple Leafs, who bought him out before he was signed to a one-year, $3 million deal by the Caps. He’s an unrestricted free agent after this season. If he keeps this up, even a point a game over the course of the season, he’ll play himself right off the team, just like Ribeiro.

Here are Grabo’s goals:

Now, if only we can do something about the defense and goaltending.

Ben Sumner

Ben Sumner is the editor of Capitals Outsider. He also works for The Washington Post and contributes there when he gets a scoop.

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