Okay- so if you've ever found yourself wandering over to Japers Rink, you'll notice that they have a weekly feature called "Capitals Ups and Downs"- which chronicles the progress of the Capitals during their season. While it's probably not going to be weekly, I'm going to try a monthly version of this feature. if it's well liked, I might do a weekly version rather than a monthly version.
Goalies |
Trend |
Notes |
Martin Brodeur |
He might play this week. He looked good in preseason, however he missed a month, and from what he’s said about the shoulder injury in this interview with Gulliti, he might not be at 100% |
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Johan Hedberg |
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He’s kept the Devils in games as much as possible. If it wasn't for Moose the Devils wouldn't still be at NHL .500. |
Keith Kinkaid |
He’s currently spent two weeks not getting any game time action. He’s one of the team’s top goaltending prospects, and he could use playing time. |
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Defense |
Trend |
Notes |
Mark Fayne |
He’s either been one of the team’s better defensemen or looking like he’s completely lost out there. He’s frustratingly inconsistent right now- if he didn't make those mistakes he'd probably be trending up. |
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Mark Fraser |
Wait, Mark Fraser’s still on the team? |
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Andy Greene |
Leads defensemen in points and +/-, and has been one of the team’s better defensemen. He’s usually been the calming influence on the team’s blue line. |
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Adam Larsson |
He’s survived 9 NHL games. While he hasn’t been all too impressive, he hasn’t done a lot and has looked like an 18 year old. He looks like he’s staying with the team though. |
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Bryce Salvador |
He’s looked pretty slow and out of place, and has probably been the team’s worst defenseman. |
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Henrik Tallinder |
Just like Fayne, he's been maddeningly inconsistent. If he finds his game again he could help turn the team around |
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Anton Volchenkov |
He hasn't been completely noticeable- which is kind of good seeing he's a shutdown defenseman. He could have a larger role on the team though, especially considering he's yet to get hurt and his massive contract. |
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Forwards |
Trend |
Notes |
Eric Boulton |
Missed four straight games after punching out Sharks defenseman Doug Murray. He should be back this week, although it's not like he's done anything of note yet. |
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Ryan Carter |
He’s a 4th liner and he doesn’t suck. He hasn't done anything of note yet, but at least he's doing his job and not sucking. |
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David Clarkson |
He’s scored 3 goals, shook off a bad start and has found himself on the top line. |
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Patrik Elias |
He’s been the team’s best forward through 9 games, leading the team in points and playing in key situations. Could use some more work on faceoffs though. |
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Adam Henrique |
Is starting to look more and more like a solid NHLer. Can take faceoffs, provide energy and might be able to provide offense if given the chance. |
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Cam Janssen |
Name one positive contribution by Janssen. *Crickets* Anyone? Bueller? |
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Jacob Josefson |
Still out for another 2 ½ -3 ½ months. |
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Ilya Kovalchuk |
Started the season off hot, but has been held pointless the last three games. Hasn't scored a goal since the Nashville game. |
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Brad Mills |
He managed to beat out David Steckel for the 4th line center job, yet he's not looking like he's any better than Steckel. Or any other team's 4th liners. |
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Nick Palmieri |
He lost the job as the team’s top RW because he's been woefully ineffective. It's looking more and more that his second half performance from last year may have had to do with playing with a Red-hot Kovalchuk as well as Zajac. |
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Zach Parise |
He’s tied for the team lead in goals with 4, but most of his production has been from the first few games. He's the captain because he leads by example- scoring at a more consistent rate would be nice. |
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Rod Pelley |
Like the rest of the 4th liners, he’s just been bad |
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Petr Sykora |
5 points from a guy who was invited to the team on a tryout. I’ll take it. |
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Mattias Tedenby |
He’s been playing great, he’s just yet to capitalize on his solid play like Clarkson has. |
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Travis Zajac |
Still out for at least another month I presume, earliest he could come back is December, but I’m guessing he’s out until at least Christmas. |
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Dainius Zubrus |
He’s done as much as he could with his linemates, but he really hasn’t been a positive or a negative for the team. Outside of the Kings game, he hasn't done much offensively. |