The Washington Capitals (17-17-2) had a big month of March, as they became playoff contenders on trade deadline day. Captain Alex Ovehckin found his groove like the good old days and trade acquisition Mike Ribeiro has continued to produce. Below are the March player grades for the Washington Capitals.
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Alex Ovechkin: Washington’s Captain tallied 19 points in 16 March contests, including seven power play goals. His energy level has increased in game and is playing with much more intensity since the beginning of the shortened season.
Grade: A
Nicklas Backstrom: After a tough month at least goal scoring wise, Backstrom found the back of the net four times in March, along with 12 assists. He averaged 20:10 of ice time over the month, and shot at 17.4% clip.
Grade: A-
Troy Brouwer: The former Chicago Blackhawks forward has shown some big time leadership in the Capitals locker room this season, and has played a big role on the ice as well. He posted 14 points in 15 games during March, along with five points on the man advantage.
Grade: A-
Mike Ribeiro: The former Dallas Stars forward is reportedly close to an extension with the Capitals, as he won’t be moved come the trade deadline. Ribeiro recorded 13 points in March, continuing his hot play with his new club.
Grade: B+
Marcus Johansson: The former first round pick played at almost a point per game level with 11 points in 12 games last month, as he becomes a key player for Washington down the stretch.
Grade: A-
Eric Fehr: On a one year contract for less than one million dollars, Fehr has been a crucial player for the Capitals. He’s played one the second line a good bit, and has scored some big goals, including the overtime winner against the Boston Bruins earlier this year. He totaled five points in 13 March games.
Grade: B-
Mathieu Perreault: He’s taken over a role as the third line center, as Brooks Laich has taken over a spot at the left wing position. He averaged 10:25 of ice time in March, recording five assists in 13 games.
Grade: C+
Joel Ward: After a strong start to the season, the former Nashville Predators, Ward recorded only four points in 16 March contests. He averaged 15:16 of ice time in the Month, but recorded a minus four while playing on the third line.
Grade: C-
Brooks Laich: When added to the lineup, Laich made immediate impacts on the ice and in the Capitals locker room. He contributed four points in seven March games, averaging 16:50 of ice time.
Grade: B
Wojtek Wolski: Like Fehr, Wolski signed a cheap one year deal, in hopes a low risk low reward deal panning out. Wolski contributed four points in six games during March, along with a plus five.
Grade: B
Matt Hendricks: An impending unrestricted free agent, Hendricks has had an underwhelming year. He totaled only three points in 16 March contests, with only 18 penalty minutes while averaging 12:18 of ice time per game.
Grade: C
Jason Chimera: After a terrible start and in ability to score in his first 67 shots, Chimera’s struggles have continued. He only registered a goal and an assist in 16 March games and was rumored to be available during the trade deadline.
Grade: D
Jay Beagle: Washington’s fourth line center and penalty kill specialist registered one goal in March, while averaging 12:02 of ice time.
Grade: B
Defensemen
John Carlson: Washington’s 2nd best puck moving defenseman tallied the most points by a Capitals defenseman in March, recording nine points, including five power play assists.
Grade: A
Steve Oleksy: After signing a three year entry level deal with the Capitals, Oleksy has been in the NHL ever since. He’s brought solid defensive play, along with some offensive production from the blue line. Oleksy posted six points in 15 March contests while averaging 17:56 of ice time.
Grade: A
Mike Green: The injury big hit Washington’s highest paid blue liner in March, allowing him to play in only six games. He posted four points in the Month, with a plus one.
Grade: B
Karl Alzner: His strong defensive play has continued to progress, as he registered a plus one in March. Alzner recorded three assists in March, while averaging 20:47 of ice time per game.
Grade: B+
Tomas Kundratek: Washington’s top right handed defensive prospect played in seven games in March, recording a goal and an assist. He was sent back to Hershey on Tuesday, as Washington’s future plans for him are still unclear.
Grade: B-
Jeff Schultz: Still signed for another season, Schultz has played last pair minutes for Washington this season. He averaged 16:11 of ice time in 11 March games, registering no points and a minus two.
Grade: C
Goalies
Braden Holtby: Washington’s starting goalie came up huge in March, taking the Capitals on his back. He posted an 8-4-1 record in 13 games, with a 2.29 goals against average and .925 save percentage to go with two shutouts.
Grade: A
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