All Over The Hill
Fansided

Eric Fehr Vital to the Capitals’ Success

By Jesse Jones

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Names like Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Braden Holtby have become the norm when you mention the Washington Capitals. But one name often left out of the conversation is Eric Fehr.

Fehr, who was drafted by the Caps in 2005 and has played all but one year of his entire NHL career in Washington, jumped onto the scene as a regular contributor during the 2008-09 season when he posted career highs across the board with 61 games played, 12 goals, 13 assists (25 total points) and a +/- of +8.

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Since that season, Fehr tallied at least 20 points in every season in Washington except the shortened season in 2012-13.

Last season, Fehr recorded 31 points (13 goals and 18 assists) in 73 games – the most he’s played in an NHL season. And he’s picked up this season right where he left after the conclusion of last year’s.

To date, Fehr has 24 points in 51 games played (16 goals and eight assists). His 16 goals are just five short of his career high mark of 21 set in the 2009-10 season and his +/- rating of +10 is his third highest in his career.

But what has made this season even more eye-opening for coaches and fans has been the development of Fehr at a new position.

A normal right-winger, Fehr has been thrusted into the center position this season by head coach Barry Trotz. Trotz has constantly switched up the lines this season, including moving Fehr into different lines at the right wing position. But once Trotz decided to move Fehr into the center position, results began to show.

He’s currently on pace to hit the 40-point mark for the first time in his career and has now developed a part of his game that is often overlooked by fans: faceoffs.

Fehr has improved his faceoff percentage throughout the season and has won just over half of those he has attempted. He’s won a total of 280 this season, including winning 13 of 17 faceoffs against Sidney Crosby in Washington’s 4-0 rout of Pittsburgh a few weeks ago.

Winning faceoffs creates more opportunities. More opportunities eventually lead to more goals. More goals – hopefully – lead to more wins. It’s simple.

Eric Fehr has always been a regular contributor to the Washington Capitals. But this season, with the help of Trotz, his contribution level has increased and it’s helping the Washington Capitals win games.

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