Who's Overachieving, Underperforming for Washington Capitals so Far This Season?

The Washington Capitals are off to an impressive start after Barry Trotz's first five games behind the bench, as the team's managed at least a point during each outing. 

And, with eight points thus far, Alex Ovechkin and Company sit tied for the Metropolitan Division lead, so the organization's management and coaching staff have to be rather pleased with the new-look Caps' start. 

A lot of credit has to be given to the style of play that Trotz has implemented, as Washington's gone from ranking 27th in shots allowed per game in 2013-14 to the team's current league-wide ranking of fifth. 

However, as always, the Caps have benefited from strong performances from many of their top players as well as solid contributions from further down the lineup. 

Here's a look at the Capitals who are overperforming as well as a couple who are underperforming thus far. 

Mike Green

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Heading into the season, Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post reported that the Capitals were upfront in saying that Mike Green's performance during the 2014-15 campaign would play a large role in determining whether the sharpshooting defenseman had a future in Washington. 

It has never been a question of Green's skill or potential, as the two-time Norris Trophy finalist remains one of the most offensively gifted blueliners in the game. However, after four seasons plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, Green's value entering the season wasn't what it was around 2010. 

But so far under Trotz, Green's done what's expected of him and more, as the former All-Star's racked up two goals and five points despite missing the Montreal Canadiens game and playing third-pairing minutes at even strength. 

Verdict: Overperforming slightly

Green's offensive numbers, plus-minus and time on ice are all better than what we would've expected through four games, but we'll wait to see how long it lasts. 

Brooks Laich

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It's tough to identify many Capitals who have failed to live up to expectations at this juncture, but given his salary and stature within the locker room, Brooks Laich has to contribute more for this team to be as good as it can be. 

Laich's a former 25-goal, 59-point man, and though projections for his offensive production should be tempered after a pair of injury-marred seasons, the longtime fan favorite's one assist through five games is disappointing. 

And now, with NHL.com reporting that Laich's on track to miss at least Washington's next three games, it's beginning to look a bit like deja vu for the 31-year-old forward. 

Verdict: Underperforming 

Laich looked like he had his wheels back before getting injured against the Florida Panthers, but even before that, he'd seen his ice time decline in each game since skating more than 17 minutes in the opener. 

Andre Burakovsky

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Heading into training camp, the Capitals rookie who appeared primed to take a run at the Calder Trophy was Evgeny Kuznetsov, who looked like he belonged during his 17-game stint in 2013-14. 

And five games in Kuznetsov's been solid with three assists, but the first-year forward who's been most impressive is Andre Burakovsky, the team's first-rounder from 2013. 

The Swedish product made an impression in his debut, scoring a beautiful one-timer against Montreal and didn't slow down from there, as he sits tied for second on the team with five points in five games. 

Verdict: Drastically overperforming

Burakovsky's stock has risen a great deal since he was drafted, but even after being praised by Trotz prior to training camp, few could've expected him to make such an immediate impact. 

Eric Fehr

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It's not as if Eric Fehr's been particularly bad for Washington, but one can't say that the former 20-goal scorer has taken full advantage of his opportunities. 

That's because Fehr began the season skating alongside Washington's most dynamic offensive duo in Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, but he failed to find the net and found himself demoted three games in. 

He did register a gorgeous assist on Jason Chimera's marker for the lone Capitals goal against the Panthers, but as a big winger with a proven scoring touch, he could've done more than put up a single helper in three games on the first line. 

Verdict: Slightly underperforming 

Fehr didn't look completely out of place with the top unit, but he didn't add much either and looks better suited playing with Joel Ward and Chimera. 

Justin Peters

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As the clear-cut backup to Braden Holtby, Justin Peters probably didn't expect to have two decisions on his record this early in the 2014-15 season. 

But that's the case. And for his part, Peters has given Washington a chance at a victory in each of his two appearances, which is an encouraging sign for a team that's been without consistent quality goaltending for quite some time. 

During his first outing, Peters helped Washington mount a comeback after Holtby faltered early against the San Jose Sharks, and though the Caps lost in a shootout, it's one more point that will come in handy down the road. 

Verdict: Overperforming 

Anytime your backup goaltender puts up a victory and a shootout loss for a total of three points out of a possible four, he's more than doing what's expected of him.