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Power Rankings Roundup: Week 5

Our weekly temperature-taking of the mainstream media’s opinions on the Washington Capitals.

Outlet This Week Last Week What They’re Saying
1 1 Alex Ovechkin and Bruce Boudreau stirred up a fuss this week, but what people should be talking about is Nick Backstrom. The NHL’s third star of the week has turned it around after his disappointing season last year (65 points). Six points this past week including the game-tying and winning goals vs. Anaheim. He’s tied for the lead league in assists.
1 1 I thought Joel Ward was one of the better free agent signings of the summer. Maybe a little on the expensive side, but he’s a darn valuable player. And he’s off to a great start in Washington. When he’s on the ice the puck moves in the right direction (into the offensive zone), he’s difficult to score against and he can chip in some offense, already with four goals through first 12 games. Wonderful addition.
1 1 The Caps are still cranking offensively even if Alex Ovechkin thinks it’s time Bruce Boudreau gives up Haagen Dazs for a while.
1 1 Scoring a whopping 3.92 goals per game, but the high-flying Caps need to tighten up defensively.
1 1 The Caps remain atop the rankings, buoyed by an offense averaging 4.3 goals over its last seven games.
2 1 Nicklas Backstrom tied for league lead in assists (13)
1 1 For all of the controversy surrounding Alex Ovechkin, he still has 6 goals and 7 assists in 12 games. He and Bruce Boudreau will find a way to co-exist as long as the Caps are winning.
2 2 They lost to the struggling Islanders over the weekend, but Alex Ovechkin looked good in that 5-3 setback and that’s the best news of the week for coach Bruce Boudreau, whose benching of No. 8 late in a recent game against Anaheim made headlines. A.O. scored his first goal since Oct. 29 and nearly potted a couple more. More good news: On Monday, defenseman Mike Green (ankle) had his first full practice since Oct. 22 and should return soon. Last week: 2-1-0
2 2 There is something about being the resident puck-mover on the Capitals’ blueline that sure works in favour of point production. Usually it’s Mike Green, but right now, Dennis Wideman is the beneficiary with 11 points in 12 games.
Key Injuries: D Mike Green (ankle).

Click on logos for links to full power rankings;
Additional outlets to be added as they trickle in.

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