The Washington Capitals face a critical week as they try to break out of a pre-holiday slump. The team has lost five of its last six games and is struggling to find consistency. Despite the recent struggles, the Capitals hold the second spot in the Metropolitan Division with a 19-12-5 record, but the division is tightening, making upcoming games against divisional rivals even more important.
This week's schedule includes a home game against the New York Rangers on Tuesday, December 23rd, followed by a road game against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, December 27th. Both games are scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
One of the main issues plaguing the Capitals is a scoring drought. After a strong start to the season, the offense has dried up, forcing the team to rely heavily on its goaltending to keep games close. In their recent back-to-back series against the Detroit Red Wings, the Capitals lost 5-2 and 3-2 (in overtime). Coach Spencer Carbery shuffled the lines in an attempt to spark the offense, but the changes did not yield the desired results. The team's veteran core, including Alexander Ovechkin, is not producing enough. Ovechkin is currently experiencing a seven-game goal drought, putting immense pressure on the rest of the lineup. Despite the scoring woes, Dylan Strome maintains that the team has scored plenty of goals this year. He noted the absence of Pierre-Luc Dubois and Ryan Leonard as contributing factors to the recent struggles.
Rookie forward Ryan Leonard remains on injured reserve with a shoulder injury sustained from a hit by Jacob Trouba of the Anaheim Ducks on December 5th. While he has resumed skating in a non-contact jersey, he is expected to remain sidelined for an extended period. The team initially announced that Leonard would miss 3-4 weeks, potentially putting him on track for a return in early January. At the time of his injury, Leonard was fourth among all rookies in scoring, with 7 goals and 11 assists in 29 games.
In light of the team's offensive struggles, Tom Wilson has stepped up to lead the charge. Wilson currently leads the team in both goals (17) and points (34). The 31-year-old right winger is having a strong season, with 17 goals and 16 assists in 34 games. His performance has sparked discussions about his potential inclusion on Team Canada for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Coach Carbery praised Wilson's leadership and the way he embodies the values of Canadian hockey. Wilson's versatility and ability to contribute in all areas of the game make him a valuable asset for the Capitals.
