Stock Watch for Washington Capitals' Top-6 Forwards

The first 24 games of the 2013-14 campaign have been a roller coaster ride for the Washington Capitals, as Adam Oates' boys have piled up some impressive victories with nearly just as many demoralizing defeats. 

Similarly, the team's top offensive weapons up front have produced mixed results in the early going, as roughly half of the Caps' top-six forwards have met expectations, while a couple of others continue to struggle mightily. 

Of course, there's more than two-thirds of the season left on the table, but it's clear that Oates has been unhappy with the offensive production of the Caps' second line, though the play of third-liners Joel Ward and Jason Chimera have somewhat compensated for it thus far. 

Heading into an important stretch that sees Washington play four conference foes in less than a week's time, here's a look at an early stock watch for each of the Caps' top-six forwards. 

Alex Ovechkin

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With a league-leading 20 goals through just 22 games, Ovechkin has been one of the Capitals’ few consistent bright spots thus far in 2013-14.

No, he isn’t creating a ton of chances for his linemates, but when a guy is scoring as consistently as the Russian superstar is, it’s tough to complain about anything he’s been doing.

After his 32-goal, 56-point campaign during last year’s lockout-shortened season, Ovechkin picked up right where he left off, and that has undoubtedly been bad news for opposing goaltenders.

In addition to his prolific goal total, Ovechkin is again among the league's most punishing forwards, with 66 through 22 games, so that's definitely a good indication that the three-time Hart Trophy winner's engaged. 

Given how confident Ovechkin looks, not to mention how opportunistic he’s been despite frequent double coverage, there’s no reason to think that the captain’s offensive production is bound to tail off anytime soon.

Stock: Up

Marcus Johansson

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After a brief stint on the second line, Marcus Johansson quickly made his way back onto the top line after a beautiful pass to Ovechkin that set the table for an all-important goal in the Caps’ come-from-behind win in Detroit.

That being said, Johansson still seems to be tentative when games get physical, and for a player with as much skill and raw talent as the speedy Swede, he’s still capable of doing more.

Yes, he’s got 18 points in 24 games, but Johansson’s two goals and paltry 6.9 shooting percentage suggest that the 23-year-old has seriously benefited from playing alongside two of hockey’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

Eight of his 18 points have come on the power play, so when the team struggles on the power play (one PPG in Washington's last five games), so too does Johansson, who has gone without a point in his last three outings.

Stock: Up, but only cautiously

Brooks Laich

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One could argue that Brooks Laich’s slow start to the season should’ve been expected, given that the assistant captain missed virtually all of last season (and a portion of training camp) due to injury.

But given Laich’s hefty $4.5 million cap hit, as well as his multiple 20-goal, 50-point seasons, the two-way forward is expected to contribute a lot more in a couple of areas.

First and foremost, Laich’s three goals and five points are disappointing, because as the hard-charging forward’s shown in the past, he’s more than capable of being a quality top-six offensive threat.

What’s been equally as shocking has been Laich’s ineptitude on draws, as the 30-year-old’s .446 success rate is the worst of his nine-year NHL career and is a far cry from his performance in the circle last season.

He’s obviously one of the Caps’ emotional leaders, and his contributions to the team’s success aren’t ever fully captured by statistics, but this is a player that has all the tools to be doing more for Washington.


And if he’s going to remain among the team’s top-six, he’ll have to and soon.

Stock: Down

Nicklas Backstrom

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Like his favorite winger, Nicklas Backstrom has been very reliable for Washington in the early going, as the Swedish pivot has once again been the Caps’ most dynamic setup man.

On the power play, despite Ovechkin’s gaudy numbers, Backstrom has absolutely been the engine that drives one of the game’s most potent units, as his vision, poise and skill always seems to create openings for his teammates.

And, perhaps just as importantly, Backstrom’s ability to find the twine in shootouts has been the deciding factor for Adam Oates’ squad twice already, and the former No. 4 overall selection has scored on four of his five attempts on the year.

With five goals and 19 helpers on the year, Backstrom is unquestionably among the best playmaking pivots in the league, and his chemistry with Ovechkin will be key for the Caps down the road.

Stock: Up

Mikhail Grabovski

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After a stunning three-goal outing during his first game as a Capital, Grabovski’s tailed off slightly, though his 19 points in 24 games are a big upgrade from the 16 points he tallied with the Maple Leafs last season.

As a former 59-point scorer, the 29-year-old has all the tools needed to put up solid numbers for a second-liner, especially given that he sits sixth among Washington forwards in terms of time on ice.

From here, Grabovski’s ability to crack 55-60 points will depend on his power-play production, but with Johansson and Troy Brouwer both getting more and more opportunities with the extra man, whether the slick pivot gets ample opportunity to play with the big guns down the stretch remains to be seen.

Fortunately, there’s much more to his game than just offense, and the Caps will always be a better team when he’s in the lineup.

Stock: Consistent

Troy Brouwer

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Last season, Troy Brouwer was one of the biggest reasons behind Washington’s surprising late run to the postseason, as the big winger emerged as one of the Caps’ most viable scoring threats.

However, 24 games in, and Brouwer’s production is way, way down, as he’s racked up just five goals and seven points.

And what’s been even more troubling is the former Stanley Cup champ’s inability to make a difference at even strength, as Brouwer’s managed just one goal outside of his four power-play tallies.

Like Grabovski, Brouwer offers the Caps a lot more besides solid secondary scoring, as the former seventh-rounder is once again one of the league’s leaders in hits among forwards with 72 on the season.

That being said, Brouwer simply needs to score more in order for the Caps to be as dangerous as possible up front, especially if Martin Erat gets the trade he apparently desires. 

Stock: Down