Although the Washington Capitals find themselves fighting to avoid last place, the Caps’ two young left wingers Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin are keeping Washington’s playoff hopes alive.

With 26 games left to go in the season, the Capitals need to gain some quick ground on the Southeast division leading Atlanta Thrashers and Carolina Hurricanes. Eleven of the 25 games left against the Eastern Conference will come against Southeast division teams. If the Caps are to make the playoffs, they will need to make some quick offensive and defensive improvements.

Defensively, Coach Glen Hanlon’s Capitals have constantly struggled with the penalty kill. Too many goals have been given up to poor penalty killing that have ultimately cost the Caps multiple games. The goals against column for the Caps, who are not even in the top twenty-five for this category, is horrific and must improve for the caps to clinch the eighth seed.

Early goal totals for opponents have also hindered the Caps. January 26 against the Hurricanes, in which the Caps lost 6-2, and February 1 against the Florida Panthers, in which the Caps lost 6-3, are prime examples of early point deficits as well as the Caps’ struggles in the goals against column.

Offensively, the Caps have been very strong, ranking in the top ten in goals scored. The most important aspect of the Capital offense is strong forechecking, which has allowed the Capitals to dominate their opponents in the neutral zone. Precise and timely passing has also permitted the Caps to succeed offensively. The return of right wing Richard Zednik should give the Caps an offensive surge as well.

Goaltending has been another issue for the Capitals. Although the performance from netminder Olaf Kolzig is a direct result of poor Washington defense, Kolzig has been very inconsistent. Kolzig is not even in the top thirty goal tenders in goals against average and backup goalie Brent Johnson has allowed almost four goals a game.

The Capitals need some of their key players to step up towards the end of the season. Winger Dainius Zubrus, Ovechkin, who is the Capitals points leader, and Semin, who had five multi-goal games in January, must continue to be all over the puck. Kolzig, defensemen Ben Clymer and Jamie Heward, and captain right winger Chris Clark must also step up for the Caps.

Overall, the Capitals need to work on consistency. If the Caps are to make the playoffs, it can be assured that I will not have to beg to do this article in the future.