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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15 | 18 | The Capitals are back among the top-eight in the East, but their first shutout loss of the season to the Islanders on Tuesday did not help matters. |
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12 | 14 | The Capitals entered the week in the top spot in the Southeast Division, and it’s not going to be much of a surprise if the regular season ends and they’re the only team from the division to qualify for the playoffs. |
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13 | 18 | The Caps have won seven of their past 10 and, after spending seemingly an eternity away from the Southeast Division penthouse, are back in first place. |
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14 | 14 | The Caps will be cautious with All-Star snub Nicklas Backstrom, who hasn’t played since suffering a head injury on an elbow from Rene Bourque during a three-assist performance on Jan. 3. |
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11 | 12 | Alex Ovechkin has eight goals, 13 points in past 12 games |
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11 | 13 |
Will he be physically able to play in the All-Star Game? Probably not, but Nicklas Backstrom should’ve at least had his terrific first half recognized.
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14 | 20 | They’ve won three in a row and look ready to overtake Florida in the Southeast. On the downside, Mike Green needs abdominal surgery and will be out four-to-six weeks. But they’ve had to play without him much of the season already, so maybe they’ll be able to better withstand his latest injury, find a way to win the division, and go into the playoffs with a healthy Green. That’s the optimist’s view. |
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18 | 22 | The Capitals are 7-2 in their last nine and G Tomas Vokoun has a .942 SV% during that span. Once they get Nicklas Backstrom back in the lineup, they might even be worthy of their current third seed in the East. Key Injuries: C Nicklas Backstrom (concussion), D Mike Green (groin). |
Click on logos for links to full power rankings.
