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After strong start, Capitals trying to avoid catastrophic slump

Updated: February 7, 2008, 6:27 PM ET
By Scott Burnside | ESPN.com

Which team will be this season's surprise story? ESPN.com is picking the Washington Capitals and Scott Burnside will chronicle the team's travels throughout the season.

There is great power in being a Cinderella team.

Unencumbered by expectation, teams that defy predictions, even common sense, by winning when they aren't supposed to, are imbued with a titanic sense of self-assuredness. It doesn't always last, but while it does, the feeling of invincibility is intoxicating and reaffirming ...

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A TEAM CAN DREAM

Which team will be this season's surprise story? ESPN.com is picking the Washington Capitals, and Scott Burnside is chronicling the team's travels throughout the season.

PART III

Posted: Feb. 7, 2008; Team record: 26-24-5
• The Capitals have rebounded from a lowly start, and a big reason for the change is their new coach, journeyman Bruce Boudreau. Story
• Will Kolzig be the odd man out in D.C.?

PART II

Posted: Nov. 16, 2007; Team record: 6-11-1
• The Capitals had high hopes coming in to this season, and things looked promising at the start. Now, Washington is trying to keep history from repeating itself. Story

PART I

Posted: Oct. 4, 2007; Start of NHL season
• The Capitals' excuse in recent seasons was "we're rebuilding." Now, with free agents on board with its young stars, Washington is ready to make a move on the ice. Story

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