"In their first nine games without Nicklas Backstrom, the Washington Capitals picked up nine points. Not a pace good enough to win the Southeast Division if it continued, but not too bad without a leading scorer and MVP.

In the past three games without Backstrom and without the suspended Alex Ovechkin, the Caps picked up three points. It's the same pace, but it doesn't mean they don't miss their captain.

"You always could use him on the ice," coach Dale Hunter said. "He got three games to watch the hockey and stuff. You're always dying to get back in there again."

Ovechkin is indeed dying to play again."