June 20, 2025
How the Panthers’ Stanley Cup Win Exposes the Capitals’ Biggest Flaws + McMichael’s Breakout Season
Locked On Capitals - Daily Podcast On The Washington CapitalsAbout this episode
The Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships highlighted the blueprint for playoff success: depth, consistency, and bold in-season moves. The Washington Capitals, despite finishing atop the East in the regular season, fell short in the second round. Watching Florida dominate underscores what the Caps must improve—third-line stability, blue-line depth, and perhaps a more aggressive trade deadline approach. Consistency in identity and execution, as exemplified by Florida, could be the key for D.C. to reach the next level. On the individual front, Connor McMichael broke out with a career-best 57 points, showing elite net-driving and offensive potential, but still has room to grow defensively. Meanwhile, Brandon Duhaime quietly emerged as a fan-favorite glue guy, anchoring the fourth line with defensive reliability, playoff poise, and unmatched locker room energy. While McMichael may soon be a 30-goal scorer, Duhaime's future hinges on whether his vibes and shutdown ability outweigh his limited offensive output. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.