Here we go, the latest DC Pro Sports Report Stock Report.  This is our opinion over the least week or week and half, players that deserve shout outs or shout downs. 

STOCK UP:

Goalie Braden Holtby:  Holtby is on the stock up.  Holtby has indeed struggled so far in the short season.  There was a feeling out there that not only was Holtby playing very inconsistent, but also signs of losing confidence.    Then came the Florida Panthers at the Verizon Center.  The Caps 5-0 win was exactly what the doctor ordered on many fronts, but more so for Holtby.  Holtby recorded his second career shutout, blanking the Panthers by stopping all 27 shots and making some dazzling saves to bail out some defensive lapses.  Is it enough to light a fire under Holtby and the Caps?  We may find out tonight. 

F Mike Ribeiro:  Ribeiro continues to spark the little offense the Capitals muster.  Ribeiro is riding a four game point streak, in which two of those games, he has recorded 2 points.  During the last 4 games, Ribeiro has tallied 3 goals and 3 helpers.  So far this season, Ribeiro is the most consistent Cap on ice. 

F Alex Ovechkin:  Placed on our Stock Down list two weeks a in a row, Ovi goes up this week.  Silently, Ovi has put together a 4 game scoring streak and appears to be settling in with right wing duties.   Over the last 4 games, Ovechkin has recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points.  He was visibly angry after the loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and that anger may have also provided a bit of spark for his teammates. 

C Nene Holario:  The Brazilian center has been an integral part of the Washington Wizards surge.  Over the last two Wiz wins, Nene has put down 20 and 21 points respectively, while grabbing 11 and 13 rebounds.  Last night Nene sparked the Wiz on a come from behind win, grabbing 13 rebounds, adding 6 assists, scoring 21 points and shooting 76.9% from the field.  Nene has three consecutive double doubles. 

Bradley Beal:  Beal returned from injury and sparked the Wiz to their fourth consecutive win last night, recording a career high 28 points.  It was also the single game high for the Wiz this year.  We will have to keep a close on Beal's wrist as he appeared to wince in pain last night after going down to the floor on a layup. 

P Stephen Strasburg:  Strasburg arrived in Viera, Florida for spring training one day early and fired up for the season.  Strasburg is set for a no innings limitation, now two seasons removed from Tommy John surgery.  Strasburg also let it be known that he is 100% over the decision to shut him down last year and is looking forward to tossing 200 plus innings.  Baseball fever is in the air and a full season of Strasburg is on tap!

STOCK DOWN:

Jordan Crawford:  Crawford is mired in a three game slump during a hot home game winning streak for the Wiz.  In his last 4 games, Crawford wa son the floor for a little over 10 minutes and recorded just three points.  The 2010 first rounder did not even play the last two games.  Randy Wittman commented “He’s in a funk or whatever,” Coach Randy Wittman said of Crawford. “He’s got to stay with it. He’s got to work hard. He’s got to continue to play hard. That’s it.”

Marcus Johansson:  Like Crawford for the Wizards, another first rounder for the Caps, Marcus Johansson, clearly occupied the dog house of Caps bench boss Adam Oates.  Johansson did not practice yesterday in what is being referred to as an upper-body injury.  Not sure there is an actual injury there though.  Johansson will not accompany the Caps to Florida for tonight's division game.    Oates singled out Johansson after the loss to Pittsburgh stating "We need more execution and didn't get enough in Pittsburgh," Oates said. "I think his confidence might be one of the problems."