Playoff-ready or not? The Washington Capitals aim to clean up their game before the real test
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Washington Capitals are limping toward the end of the regular season but they're not panicking ahead of the playoffs.
After losing three straight games and going 3-6-1 over their last 10, Washington knows its recent play hasn't met the standard they played this season and the team has accorded at least three goals in 11 straight games, while its offense has produced a league-worst 33.93% goals-for percentage at 5-on-5 over that span.
«Obviously, it's not ideal,» said Tom Wilson. «We don't want to make excuses but at this time of year, the margin for error is so small.»
There are factors at play in the recent slump.
The Washingon Capitals recently clinched the Eastern Conference but players like Aliaksei Protas and Logan Thompson have been sidelined and the team is just now coming down from the emotional high of Alexander Ovechkin's goal-scoring milestone.
Despite the adversity, the room remains confident for the playoffs.
«We know what we're capable of I don't think concern is going to be our approach,» said Jakob Chychrun, who just returned from illness.
Alex Ovechkin emphasized the need for mental sharpness and consistency heading into the playoffs.
«I don't think something's wrong. Mentally, we just have to be ready for playoff-style games,» Ovechkin said.
Tom Wilson agreed by saying that Sunday's 4-1 loss to Columbus showed an improved competitive level and a team trending in the right direction.
«Once our guys are back, we need to be sharp and detailed. That's playoff hockey.»
With two regular-season games left, Andrew Mangiapane summed it up best:
«We're a mature group. We know how we need to play for Game 1.»
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 63 ANSWERS Playoff-ready or not? The Washington Capitals aim to clean up their game before the real test Do you think the Washington Capitals will bounce back in the NHL playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 58 | 92.1 % |
| No | 5 | 7.9 % |
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