Our weekly temperature-taking of the mainstream media’s opinions on the Washington Capitals:
| Outlet | This Week | Last Week | What They’re Saying |
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1 | 2 | No surprise when the Caps lead the league in a particular category, except when it’s penalty killing. They are perfect so far. (10/18) |
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1 | 13 | Washington still isn’t clicking on the power play and hasn’t its their stride offensively, but Alex Ovechkin is off to another beastly start for the Caps. Young goalie Michael Neuvirth has been a revelation between the pipes, and has made every start thus far. (10/19) |
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2 | 2 | Young d-men Karl Alzner and John Carlson fitting in well as Caps are riding a four-game winning streak after dropping their opener. (10/18) |
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1 | 4 | Michal Neuvirth, coming off a great week, is staking claim to one of the prime goaltending jobs in the NHL. (10/18) |
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1 | 14 | The biggest criticism of this high-octane club is it can’t play defense. Well, so far, so good. Its 2.20 goals-against record is tied for fifth in the NHL, buoyed by a penalty kill that has yet to yield a goal this season. (10/18) |
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4 | 19 | Michal Neuvirth was on his game in Week 2, recording three one-goal victories for the Caps. The 22-year-old netminder only allowed five goals on 94 shots in the three Washington wins. (10/19) |
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6 | 7 | Michal Neuvirth making great case to platoon with Semyon Varlamov (10/20) |
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3 | 9 | Alexander Ovechkin (four goals, eight points) and rookie goalie Michal Neuvirth (2.16, .930) start strong. Penalty killers are 21 for 21. (10/18) |
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X | 2 | Pending |
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1E | 1E | The Caps have not allowed a power play goal in 21 shorthanded situations so far. (10/19) |
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4 | 2 | Entering Wednesday’s play, Washington was one of two teams (Florida) that hadn’t allowed a power play goal. (10/21) |
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1 | 1 | Their backup is manning the pipes and the kids are patrolling the blue line. Tough times in Washington? Hardly. The Caps are getting exceptional play from Michal Neuvirth and John Carlson to go along with a penalty kill that was unblemished through five games. The result is the league’s fifth lowest GAA and a strong start for its top team. (10/19) |
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1 | 1 | Rookie John Carlson is making an early bid for top rookie honors with a goal and six points in five games. (10/18) |
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5 | 1 | After a season-opening loss, the Caps have won four straight, including a couple in overtime. A little disconcerting that they’ve been outshot in four of five, yet encouraging that they are 21-for-21 on the penalty kill. Key Injuries: D Mike Green (shoulder). (10/18) |
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1 | 1 | Alexander Ovechkin scored four goals and had points in all five games with 22 shots on goal. That translates to 66 goals and 131 points over 82 games. (10/19) |
Click on logos for links to full power rankings.