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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– | – | Pending. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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.
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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. |
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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). |
Click on logos for links to full power rankings.
