| Outlet | This Week | Last Week | What They’re Saying |
 |
1 | 1 | Big picture
The Caps continue to run away with the overall NHL standings, boasting a 12-point lead on the two Western clubs tied for second overall. Additionally, they own two games in hand on both of them. Still, it wasn’t the team’s best week of the season, as Washington faced a stiff test on its California road trip, needing the shootout to beat Anaheim and losing in overtime and regulation, respectively, to Los Angeles and San Jose. By the Numbers Although brilliant in the early going, Braden Holtby is starting to be a bit of a concern. Over the last 20 games, his save percentage is an ugly .901. His record over that span is still good, at a very respectable 13-4-2, but Washington has increasingly been getting backup Philipp Grubauer (8-6-1, 0.925 save percentage) into games. (March 14) |
 |
1 | 1 | The Caps stumbled a bit during their California road trip, losing consecutive games for only the third time this season, but they’re still 12 points ahead of the field for the best record in the NHL. (March 15) |
 |
5 | 4 | The Caps have establihed themselves as the team to beat this season, but have now allowed the first goal in 13 of their last 15 games. Until this team shows it is capable of playing a full 60 minutes, it won’t reclaim its place atop the rankings. (March 15) |
 |
1 | 1 | T.J. Oshie matched a career high with his 21st goal of the season; Justin Williams reached the 20-goal plateau for the fifth time. The Capitals are 5-4-1 in their past 10. (March 14) |
 |
10 | 1 | The Capitals, 14 points up on the next closest team with games in hand, can’t be caught in the Presidents’ Trophy race. (March 16) |
 |
1 | 1 | Washington became the first team to clinch a playoff spot when it knocked off the Hurricanes on Tuesday night. We doubt they’ll be moving from this top spot any time soon. (March 16) |
 |
1 | 1 | Hit: Alex Ovechkin’s overtime goal Tuesday ended a five-game goal-less streak. The last thing the Capitals need is Ovechkin going into a prolonged scoring drought.
Miss: They’ve averaged two goals per game in their past six games. It’s a small sample size, but it’s more than a goal per game short of their per-game average for the season (3.14). (March 17) |
 |
1 | 2 | Washington’s got an “X.” It’s March 16. It’s possible we’re taking the Capitals’ greatness for granted. (March 16) |
 |
1 | 2 | It’s to Washington’s credit that the Caps are the league’s most dangerous third period team (a sizzling +33 in the final frame), but they might want to work on those starts. They’ve allowed the first goal in 13 of their past 15 games, and while they’re finding ways to win (9-5-1), that’s a pretty poor habit to get into ahead of the playoffs. Last week: 0-1-1 (March 15) |
 |
– | 1 | (Last updated March 9) |
 |
1 | 1 | So, it’s been six straight since the Capitals recorded a regulation win. Fortunately, the Capitals have built up some goodwill in the rankings, but this is the first sign of vulnerability this season.
Key Injuries: D John Carlson (lower body).(March 16) |
 |
1 | 1 | (Last updated March 7) |
Click on logos for links to full power rankings.