Who's Hot, Who's Not

Hot

-          Mike Ribeiro: Ribeiro has been the only upside of this season for the Capitals and this is why he makes his 2^nd straight appearance in the “hot” column. He has logged six points during his current four game point streak. He has scored a point in 9 of the 12 games this season. Ribz continues to make the players around him better including Alex Ovechkin. They have both elevated their games since being paired together and the Caps will only benefit from their chemistry.

-          Alex Ovechkin: The Great Eight finally seems to be finding his scoring ways again. He is also on a four game point streak since being paired with Ribeiro. Ribeiro’s company has aided Ovechkin with him logging 27 shots in the last five games. Ovi is showing promise at right wing and the goals will come in the future. The Captain has to continue at this and lead by example if the Caps are to escape rock bottom.

Not

-          Tomas Kundratek: This young defenseman has shown some struggle in his vacation from the Hershey Bears. Kundratek has a -4 ice rating in the past six games, yet he plays the least amount of time as defenseman. He has shown some promise recording two assists in his last three games, but suffers from bad positioning and nerves. Kundratek must shake the cobwebs off and step into his role on this team. With the injuries suffered by Jack Hillen and Tom Poti he will remain in the red sweater for the near future.