The Washington Capitals are down, but not out

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) skates by the bench after scoring during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals on January 10, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) skates by the bench after scoring during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals on January 10, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Friday’s win over the Calgary Flames proves the Washington Capitals shouldn’t be counted out despite their recent struggles.

There is no way to mention that a seven-game losing streak is good. Prior the All-Star Break, the Washington Capitals looked flat yet again. Their defense was nonexistent. Fanatics wouldn’t be fanatics without asking for the job of the coach and requesting trades from the forward to the goalie.

With that being said, good thing none of those fanatics own the team. So where do the Capitals go from here? Well, nowhere because the NHL is an 82 game season with ebbs and flows throughout. Friday’s win over the Calgary Flames despite not having Alex Ovechkin is definitely a good sign. Don’t lose hope just yet because there are some reasons why the Washington Capitals are down, but not out.

Well Rested

More from Puck Prose

The Washington Capitals championship season faced losing streaks like the one they snapped on Friday. However, taking losses is never going to be easy on the fans. The Capitals down the stretch looked tired and deflated. The defense looked sloppy and at times very detached.

With that being said, the Capitals got well-rested because the All-Star break could not come at a better time. Players needed a getaway and some fresh legs from the longest losing streak in six years. This is a team is coming off of mini-vacations.

The players got some time to detach and come back. Fans should watch how this team reacts to this streak after the All-Star break. Expect a more energized team that will have their focus and regain their hockey legs and get back on track.

Adjustments

The defense will have to have made some adjustments. They looked tired, unorganized and sloppy before the all-star break. Often times, the defense left the goalies out on an island by themselves. It needs to be tightened up especially if your offense scores more five goals. Washington made impressive adjustments on Friday against the Flames, winning despite not having Ovechkin on the ice. They’ll need similar efforts moving forward.