The Capitals were fortunate not to get a huge number of bad injuries last year, but one that a lot of people missed on was how captain Chris Clark missed most of the year with groin problems.

He hurt a tendon in his groin in late November and played in just one more game the rest of the year. The injury's severity surprised many, as it was first thought to be a fairly minor thing.

But Clark is the type of player that a young team like the Caps desperately need. He's a leader, sets the tone for a team and shows young players the way to do things.

A team like the Caps needs that, especially since so many inexperienced players are on the roster. Clark's surprising offensive burst two years ago made him that much more valuable to the Caps before last year.

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