ROCK BOTTOM

When should we panic? The question has been all over the newspapers and sports talk radio. Yes, its only December and yes the Capitals are still near the top of the conference. So panic, no. But ignore? Clearly impossible at this point.

Tonight, the Capitals dropped their 7th straight contest and FIFTH in a row at home. Let me type that again. FIFTH in a row at home. This previously unthinkable occurrence came to furtion with a 2-1 OT loss to the Ducks. The Capitals scored early on a hardworking goal by Brooks Laich but failed the dent the twine again, ultimately losing with 1 min left in the extra session. The Capitals clearly had their chances, but as has become the trend, failed to capitalize. Hiller made an amazing stick save on a tic-tac-toe play that is normally childs play for this team and Ovechkin missed on the net on a 2nd period breakaway.

Many pointed to the 7-0 loss at MSG against the Rangers as rock bottom. I disagree. This was worse and it is because they were unable to respond following the embarrassment in NYC. They tried and had their chances against the Ducks, and the effort was there in the 1st. But the 3rd was very flat, and a great team puts out nothing less than a 60 min effort and a win after a loss like the one at MSG. The Capitals failed to do either, leading to the conclusion that right now, the Capitals are at best an average team.

So, is it really OK to panic now? Here are some reasons for and against.

PANIC: The Home magic is gone.

Teams no longer seem to fear Verizon Center. The Capitals still have a relatively new fan base, so streaks like this are not taken well.

REMAIN CALM: The fans are still here.

Despite the play, Verizon was pretty full tonight for a Wednesday night and it still gets loud and passionate. But the natives are restless.

PANIC: Ovechkin is MIA

The Capitals will go as far as Alex Ovechkin takes them. Right now, he cannot seem to do anything right. He misses the net, passes when he should shoot and shoots when he should pass and does not seem to play with the reckless abandon he use to. Maybe the critics have gotten to him, but Ovechkin is not right.

REMAIN CALM: It has to be a matter of time....right?

Ovechkin cannot remain missing forever. He just cannot.

PANIC: This isn't exactly new.

It's not like Ovechkin's struggles coincide with the losing streak. He has not been himself all season. In fact, he has not been the same since the Olympics. So it's not new.

REMAIN CALM: It has to be a matter of time....right?

Ovechkin cannot remain missing forever. He just cannot.

PANIC: Did GMGM screw up?

Do the Capitals miss Flash? Does Hannan not fit in? The offense is sputtering since he left and the defense seems to be the same as it has always been.

REMAIN CALM: Lots of games and the flu.

The Capitals have not had many practices since the trade and when they have people have been hurt or sick. In fact, we have not seen the Capitals A Squad during the current streak.

But the biggest one:

REMAIN CALM: It is December, not April.

Let's hope they turn it around soon, particularly with three huge games this month, Pittsburgh at the Phone Booth, Montreal's return, and of course, the Winter Classic, on national TV.