Power Rankings Roundup: Week 14

by EmilyB on Jan 11, 2012 2:00 PM EST in Power Ranking Roundups

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

Outlet	This Week	Last Week	What They're Saying
	-	-	Pending.
	14	14	Over the past 10 games, Alex Ovechkin has been better than a point-per-game player, scoring eight goals to go with three assists, including a pair of two-goal performances in wins against Buffalo and Columbus (each decided by two goals).
	18	16	Getting pounded in San Jose on Saturday night takes the edge off the Caps' recent four-game winning streak, a stretch of play that represented their best under new coach Dale Hunter. The Caps still reside outside the playoff bracket as of Monday morning.
	14	15	Coach Dale Hunter may be without the services of defenseman Mike Green (groin) and leading scorer Nicklas Backstrom (head) for more than only a game or two.
	12	13	Mike Green's health a significant concern for this year and next; he's scheduled to be a restricted free agent this summer
	13	15	Jason Chimera: He led the Caps in goals at times this season. He's on pace for about 27 goals, which would be 10 more than he had in his best season.
	20	17	Two utterly dismal West Coast losses stopped any momentum they had going. Of course, losing Nicklas Backstrom (concussion) and Mike Green (groin) didn't make things easier. Even with Green, their defense just isn't good enough, Without him, it's flat out bad.
	22	14	Had a four-game winning streak snapped in San Jose Saturday but, of greater importance, D Mike Green's return was short-lived and C Nicklas Backstrom remains out thanks to the concussion he suffered when elbowed by Calgary's Rene Bourque. Key Injuries: C Nicklas Backstrom (concussion), D Mike Green (groin).

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Even with Green, their defense just isn’t good enough, Without him, it’s flat out bad.

Oof. SI bringing down the Hamr. (and the other guys, too).

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by winterion on Jan 11, 2012 2:34 PM EST reply actions

Hockey needs an “SCS” (Stanley Cup System)…like the BCS, but…different.

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 3:10 PM EST reply actions

I’m in favor of anything that de-emphasizes post-season success.

Kidding.

Sorta.

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by J.P. on Jan 11, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

Why do multiple sources suggest Backstrom has a concussion? I thought that had not been confirmed, and everyone was just being cautious. Perhaps I’m just being naive about the way these things are talked about in the NHL, but I definitely thought concussion had not been confirmed.

by TheJer on Jan 11, 2012 3:21 PM EST reply actions

No, I think you’re right.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 11, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

Well they could be mixing up washington and philly. They are like 100 miles apart. But really, they said Pronger had an upper body injury, before seeing a specialist, before 3 weeks later “oh yeah its a concussion and he’s done for the season…probably” came out. And its not like Philly was the first team to do this, Caps did it with Beagle too but he isn’t a star so it wasn’t as played out.

Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."

Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.

by breaklance on Jan 11, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions