The Washington Capitals fell to the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime on Sunday. For many Capitals fans the conclusion was somewhat reminiscent of last season, and the struggles the Capitals had in overtime. But fear not, it’s preseason, the lineup was filled with prospects (which is a good thing) and the game results meant nothing.
Another similar result from last season was found in the stats line for Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary. Fehervary recorded a whopping nine hits in sunday’s preseason game. (I had to do a triple take, and even re-checked the stats this morning in case it was a typo) The next highest hit total by a Capitals player was two (Nic Dowd, Brett Leason, Ryan Hofer, Vinny Iorio and Dru Krebs). The highest hit count for a Sabres player was also two.
Fehervary with 9 hits…in a preseason game.
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) September 25, 2022
Fehervary led the Capitals team in total hits last season with 251, and it looks like has full intention of retaining his title this season. The only real question is does he really need to be laying so many hits in a preseason game?
The answer is apparently yes. It’s his style of play, and a style he would have difficulty adjusting, even in the preseason. In addition, Fehervary came into camp in tremendous shape (no surprise), with what appears to be several extra pounds of muscle when compared to last preseason. He’s ready to go.
It will be interesting to see if he tones it down a bit in his next preseason start. I’m betting he won’t.
By Jon Sorensen
That’s a crazy amount of hits for a preseason game.
He must have been saving it up all summer.
I’ve been excited about this guy for awhile! I think he and McMichael are the future of the Caps.
Love Fehervary, I’m not yet convinced on McMike. He needs to adjust his game in one or two directions. 1) focus more on creating opportunities for others rather than himself, and/or 2) Bury his shot more often.
I agree, particularly Fehervary. If he improves his offensive contributions this season, he could easily be the team’s best blueliner by year’s end. And he is only 22!
I remember veterans telling OV early in his career that he doesn’t have to finish all of his checks and play so hard all of the time. But it is how he is wired. yeah, its slowed over the course of his career, but naturally. Willy kinda the same.
So to Martin… play your game and don’t adjust (yet).
Fever and Iorio looked really good together!