Our weekly temperature-taking of the mainstream media's opinions on the Washington Capitals
| 2 | 1 | Big picture Washington continues to be unmatched in the overall NHL standings. With 111 points, it has a 12-point lead on its nearest rivals, all in the West; in the East, the Rangers come closest to competing, and they are 16 points back. However, the Caps are also in a slight slump, having lost two of their last four and four of their last eight games, including a 4-0 defeat on Saturday at the hands of the Blues. |