Can the Capitals keep their playoff streak alive?
With 24 games left in the regular season, the Washington Capitals are 28-24-6 and one point outside the playoff picture. Missing the postseason for the first time since 2014 is a possibility.
The Capitals have struggled due to a combination of injuries and an aging core. But there's still time to rebound, especially once star winger Alex Ovechkin returns.
Ovechkin has not played since Feb. 12, as he traveled back to Russia recently after the death of his father. His eventual return will provide a boost, as will that of defenseman John Carlson, who has been out since December with a face injury. Carlson's return will take a bit longer, but he continues to make progress.
Other players have recently returned from long stretches on the shelf. Nicklas Backstrom, the longtime Robin to Ovechkin's Batman, has only played in 15 games. Tom Wilson, who provides the team with toughness, has only played in nine.
The Capitals have not been at full strength all season. Because of that, they don't have consistent, high-volume scorers — a problem exacerbated without Ovechkin, who leads the team with 32 goals. Marcus Johansson is second with only 13.
If one or two players step up regularly, it would do wonders. The trade deadline is March 3, so perhaps the Capitals can find a scorer by then to help open the offense.
Many fans are disappointed with the Capitals, who are accustomed to success in recent seasons. Despite the tumult, however, Washington remains in the playoff hunt.
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