If you stayed up for a 10:10 PM game last night, you got to witness a Stephen Strasburg start that Nats expected this year.  In addition, you also got to witness the Nats offense providing run support for Strasburg.   Strasburg tossed 8 innings of 3 hit baseball, allowing 1 earned run, while fanning 4 Padres to improve to 2-5 on the season and leading the Nats to a 6-2 win over San Diego.  He lowered his season ERA to 2.83.  Rafael Soriano tossed a scoreless ninth inning. 

1B Adam LaRoche continues to heat up at the plate, hitting his fifth homer of the season, a two run bomb in the fourth inning.  LaRoche extended his hitting streak to 13 consecutive games and has at least 1 hit in all but one game in the month of May.  After batting a mere .136 in April, LaRoche is batting .354 in May.  The resurgent LaRoche has home runs in consecutive games.  LaRoche wasn't the only long baller for the Nats.  Bryce Harper topped off the 6 run game with a solo home run in the 7th inning.  It was number 11 for Harper on the season. 

Along with LaRoche, 3B Ryan Zimmerman is heating up at the plate as well.  Zimmerman was 1 for 2 and drove in 2 runs with a 2 run single in the fifth inning.  Zimmerman extended his hitting streak to five straight games, collecting 8 hits in 18 at bats over the last five games.  

With the win, the Nats pulled to within a half game of the first place Atlanta Braves.  The Nats play game two tonight against the Padres at 10:10.  Gio Gonzalez takes the mound coming off two quality starts.  He will face Burch Smith.

Would the Wizards have made the playoffs with a healthy John Wall all season? While having a healthy Nene all season is probably unrealistic, it certainly would help Washington's cause.

As we wrap up the combine in Chicago, who will the Wizards be looking for in the NBA draft? The draft lottery is next week and the  Wizards figure to pick 8th overall with a 3.5% chance of grabbing the top overall selection. Washington will pick no lower than 11th. The Wizards have a pair of second round selections as well and there is talk of them packaging them, perhaps along with the first round pick to acquire a pair of first round selections.

Martell Webster appears to be the only free agent the Wizards will certainly pursue. Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza could test free agency, but its hard to imagine them walking away from $14.5 and $7.7 million dollars respectively. Can the Wizards afford Webster? We'll have to wait and see. Guards Cartier Martin, Garrett Temple and/or A.J. Price could also be brought back. 2012 second round pick Tomas Satoransky is an intriguing prospect and could be ready next season.

Probable 2013-'14 Wizards roster

Nene C/F

Emeka Okafor C/F

Kevin Seraphin C/F

Trevor Booker F

Jan Vesely F

Chris Singleton F

Trevor Ariza F

Martell Webster* G/F

Bradley Beal G

John Wall G

Tomas Satoransky# G

* Free Agent

# Europe

Whom the Wizards draft depends on many factors. Where do they end up in the lottery? Do Ariza and Okafor return? Is Webster brought back? Does Satoransky arrive from Europe? Do they trade up? or down? Best case scenario, Len or Zeller fall to the Wizards. If they want a big and they are both gone, Olynyk could be fall back selection. Washington's strength is in the backcourt, but we saw how injuries plagued the team when the guards went down. Wolters could be the sleeper of the draft. Goodwin another in the long line of fab Kentucky freshman. Ledo could go anywhere from lottery to second round after sitting out freshman season due to academics. Brown is a "safe" option late in the second round, a reliable combo guard.

2013 Draft Prospects

Alex Len C Maryland

Cody Zeller F Indiana

Kelly Olynyk F/C Gonzaga

Nate Wolters G South Dakota State

Archie Goodwin G Kentucky

Ricardo Ledo G Providence

Lorenzo Brown G North Carolina State

NFL Network analyst and former Washington Post sports writer Jason LaCanfora ripped Alex Ovechkin and Caps owner Ted Leonsis on 106.7 The Fan this morning.  LaCanfora used to be a beat reporter with the Post and covered the Washington Capitals for five seasons.  The reality is, LaCanfora likely said things that most Washington Capitals fans think, but won't say. 

On Alex Ovechkin;

If your team captain isn’t really a team captain, then is there a covert team captain?” he asked, hypothetically. “A guy that can actually keep him in check in the locker room?”

On Ted Leonsis;

“Ted’s going to have to make some, I don’t even think some tough choices, just some big boy, real professional sports choices,” La Canfora said.

“Or again, you can keep writing blogs and deluding yourself and thinking people will buy in, that because you have this one superstar player, you know, every year its just ‘Oh, a bad break here, and oh darn, we hit a post, otherwise we’d be hoisting another Stanley Cup.’ They’re nowhere near it.”

You can get upset all you want.  You can say, hey, what does an NFL analyst know anyway.  However, the reality is, this rebuild began coming to fruition in 2007-08 and we are now in 2013 and have little more than Southeast Division championships to show.  Let's not put too much stake in that either. Annually, the Southeast Division has been one of the weakest in the NHL.  This is six years into a massive rebuild around youth, yet, what have these youth, who have developed into veterans provided, outside Southeast Division banners at Verizon Center? 

Year in and year out, don't we as a fan base keep saying this is the year?  Yet, year after year, the result is the same.  Caps do well in regular season, the come playoffs, the high paid stars disappear, and Caps fans spend another disappointed off-season reflecting on when the 'potential' will be unleashed.  You can deny it.  However, just live the five prior seasons, you will be watching the NHL Conference Finals and Stanley Cup  develop before your eyes without the Caps.  That is undeniable.  

The Washington Nationals fell to the LA Dodgers last night 3-1.  The Dodgers took two out of three form the Nats. 

Missing Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper from the lineup, the Nats mustered 9 hits, but crossed the plate just once.  Zack Greinke returned to the Dodgers starting rotation last night after an injury.  Greinke through 5.1 innings and allowed 5 hist and 1 run.  Nats' starter Ross Detwiler only threw three innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits before departing with lower back spasms.  Craig Stammen and Tyler Clippard through 4 shutout innings from the bullpen.  Drew Storen gave up a run in the 9th inning. 

The Nats only run came on a 4th inning solo home run by Adam LaRoche.  It was LaRoche's 4th home run of the season.  Wilson Ramos had a multi-hit game, going 2 for 2 with a double.  However, Ramos left the game with an injured hamstring and appears to be lost for some time.   

Fortunately for the Nats, the Atlanta Braves also lost last night, keeping the Nats just 1 game back from Atlanta. 

The Nats remain on an extended west coast swing headin to San Diego for a three game series against the Padres.  Struggling ace Stephen Strasburg (1-5) takes the mound tonight against Edinson Volquez. 

Nats Notes:

*  Bryce Harper did have a pinch hit at bat last night.  Post game, Harper admitted he is still pretty sore from his collission withthe wall. 

*  The Nats will lose the services of C Wilson Ramos for an extended period of time.  Ramos, who was struggling to stay healthy, injured his hamstring last night.  Davey Johnson hinted that Ramos will likely be out for awhile.  Ramos is likely headed to the disabled list.  Kurt Suzuki will take over full starting duties.  The Nats will likely recall Jhonoton Solano from AAA to backup Suzuki. 

*  Jayson Werth Werth went 1-for-2 at the plate last night in Potomac as he continues on a rehab stint.  Werth also provided defenisve prowess for the P-Nats, gunning down C Parker Morin trying to tag up from third and score in the top of the 2nd inning. Werth is rehabbing a hamstring injury that sent him tot he DL. 

Alex Ovechkin took a shot at the referring during the playoff series loss against the New York Rangers.

“Not saying there was a phone call, but they wanted Game 7,” Ovechkin said in a Russian interview with Slava Malamud of Sport-Express. “For ratings. You know, lockout, escrow, league must make profit.”

Caps GM George McPhee didn't back away from Ovechkin's assertions.

What we didn’t get a chance to do was go on the power play very often, and it was a real strength of ours,” McPhee said. “It was real good during the season. We didn’t get many power plays during the series, I don’t know why. We had to kill too many penalties, I don’t know why. I didn’t think that part of the game from the league standpoint was all that good. I didn’t like the refereeing, but if you complain about it during the series and you’re accused of trying to gain an edge. If you complain about it after a series is over, then it’s whining and sour grapes.”

The way I see it, it is always easier to blame someone else than yourself.  Alex Ovechkin even went as far as saying that it takes more than one guy to win a Championship.  He's right.  However, when that one guy is making $9 million per season, is the captain of your hockey team, and is portrayed as one of the very best in the NHL, I guess it isn't too hard to expect that he step up with more than just 1 goal and 1 assist in the series.  The greatest players put up big numbers and help lift their teams to ultimate success, not just in the regular season, but in the post-season.  That is how true, great players, you know, legends are created.  The fact of the matter is, Alex Ovechkin failed to record a single point past game two.  Wouldn't his implication that the refs not allowing the Caps more power plays be a round about admission that Ovi needs a man advantage to score?  Thin ice Alex, thin ice.   Making an excuse like the Refs this series does very little to put aside the playoffs flops since 2008.  Not much different than prior season.  The big time money players failed to show up.  Alex Ovechkin was at the front of the line.  Good players make excuses, great players produce when it is all on the line. 

George McPhee should know better.  Then again, he has been the GM for seventeen seasons and delivered one Stanley Cup Playoff final berth, and that was his first season.  He blew the team up in 2004 and spent a few years on a rebuild to win a championship.  The era of that rebuild is quickly closing and McPhee has little to show for it.  Sure, he has division championships.  That is it.  He has no Conference titles and no Stanley Cup appearances or titles.  Isn't that the main goal?  If McPhee could not build a roster to compete for the ultimate prize the last 16 years, what makes Ted Leonsis think he can do it next year?  Hinting at excuses like too many penalty kills and not enough power plays is a bogus, lame excuse when a GM has little explanation beyond faulty roster construction.  Fact is, the Rangers scored on just 2 power plays.  Fact is, the begging for power plays, or shall we say the blaming of lack of power plays, only sends the signal that you have little confidence in 5 on 5 play.  The penalties did not cause the star players, the big time salary guys to disappear.  Penalties did not result in a 5 goal spanking on home ice in Game 7.  Fact is, the final fact, the Capitals were dominated on 5 on 5 play.  Lack of power plays has little to do with that.  The Capitals were shutout the final two games.  Where is the answer for that.

Blaming referees for a seven game loss after taking a 2-0 lead is nothing more than embarrassment for the franchise.   It also does little to address roster weaknesses and flaws.  The best thing Alex Ovechkin, the rest of the Caps and George McPhee can do for themselves is put away the blame and look in the mirror.  There you will find the reason for a humiliating first round ouster from the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

The Washington Capitals are facing off-season questions much sooner than anyone had hoped.  After taking a 2-0 series lead against the New York Rangers, then Caps fell 4 games to 3 to get booted in the first round.  More humiliating is the fact the Caps were shutout by Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers in the final two games of the series, getting trounced 5-0 on home ice in a decisive game 7. 

Caps owner Ted Leonsis chose his words carefully in stating that the franchise would not act on raw emotion, but allow things to sink in a bit before plotting the future.  One would think it is pretty safe to say that bench boss Adam Oates will return in 2013-14.  He deserves it.  He can win in DC.  The bugger question than that is the future of GM George McPhee.  McPhee has been GM since 1997 and has one Stanley Cup appearance on his resume with the Caps, his first year.  Since then, he has undergone a roster sell off and subsequent rebuild that has led to consistent playoff berths, but also consistent playoff disappointments.  The fact is, McPhee is not new here.  Seventeen years is overkill in being able to fully evaluate whether his roster building skills are present to deliver Championships.  After all, isn't that what this is all about?  The McPhee question will likely be the most looming and most meaningful decision this off-season for Leonsis.  Given a look at Leonsis' other franchise,  the Washington Wizards, and how that was handled, I fully expect McPhee to return. 

Taking a look at the Washington Capitals a free agents, there are a few big decisions there as well. 

Decisions:

*  F Mike Ribeiro:  This is the premier decision of the current roster.  Ribs was acquired last season to help fortify the offense.  Ribs did nothing to disappoint.  The 33 year-old put up 13 goals and 36 assists this season.   He also put up a solid, consistent playoff performance.  The question surrounding Ribs is not production, but cost.  His production will likely trigger substantial interest in free agency.  The Caps knows that.  Ribs won't be cheap.  He is popular in DC and would like to return, but money will be the determining factor.  Of note, since the trade deadline when Washington offered Ribeiro 3 years for $14 million, no discussions have occurred. 

*  F Matt Hendricks:  Hendricks is a rough tumbler that became a staple on the energy line.  Hendricks recorded 5 goals and 3 assists this season.  He is a heavy hitter and one of Washington's most willing to throw down the gloves and get dirty.  Given the success that Hendricks' has had on the energy line, it seems to be a good call to make that the Caps will strike a deal with Hendy to return.  He will likely costs them more than his current $825,000 per season. 

Likely Gone:  D Tom Poti, Joey Crabb, Wojtek Wolski

The Redskins have come to terms with a pair of 2013 draft selections. Fifth round pick Brandon Jenkins, a linebacker out of Florida State and sixth round pick Bacarri Rambo, a defensive back from Georgia, the first two rookie picks to sign.

Jenkins (6-5 250) was a pass rushing defensive end for the Seminoles that will be converted to an outside linebacker. The Redskins are hoping to enjoy success similar to the converted Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and Rob Jackson.

Rambo (6-0 215) was a big time playmaker for the Dawgs and is being asked to learn both the free and strong safety positions.

The team also announced the release of undrafted free agent wide receiver Jason Thompson.

The NBA draft is fast approaching and the top prospects are gathering in Chicago for the annual combine later this week.

ESPNU and ESPN2 will have live coverage of the combine at the following times (all times ET):

10 a.m. May 16 | ESPNU

2 p.m. May 16 | ESPN2

10 a.m. May 17 | ESPNU

2 p.m. May 17 | ESPN2

Taped coverage will be available on ESPNU at the following times:

4 a.m. May 18

9 a.m. May 18

4 a.m. May 22

6:30 a.m. May 22

5 p.m. May 22

7:30 p.m. May 22

The Wizards will be choosing in the lottery again and also hold a pair of second round selections.

The NBA draft lottery will be held on Tuesday, May 21st. Washington is sitting 8th, with a 3.5% chance of picking first.

UNLV freshman forward Anthony Bennett, a potential target of the Wizards, is not taking part due to injury.

Update: The Wizards have reportedly requested interviews with local stars Alex Len of Maryland and Georgetown's Otto Porter. Each NBA team may talk with as many as 15 players at the combine.

The Washington Capitals had absolutely no answer for the stellar play of Henrik Lundqvist in net for the New York Ranges.  Despite some quality Alexander Ovechkin scoring opportunities, Lundqvist shutout the Cap-s 1-0 to force a decisive game 7 tomorrow night at the Verizon Center. 

Derrick Brassard scored the game's only goal in the second period.  This game was about goal tending and both Lundqvist and Braden Holtby stole the show.  Lundqvist stopped all 27 shots the Caps put on net, while Holtby stopped 28 of 29 shots. 

Once again, the penalty calling was tilted against the caps as it has been all series.  The Caps were sent to the penalty box 4 times while Rangers did not draw once penalty all game.  The Rangers have had 22 power play opportunities to the  Caps 12.  Since the mystifying penalty in Game One when the Caps were called for a too many men on the ice penalty, while the Rangers got away with 9 skaters on the ice, the refs have tilted calls again Washington. 

With the series tied at 3-3, the decisive game 7 begins at 8 PM tomorrow night in Washington. 

Just as we said at the beginning of the season, Nationals fans will see prospect OF Eury Perez from time to time this season.  It starts today.  The Nationals have recalled Perez from Syracuse and have placed OF Jayson Werth on the 15 day disabled list. 

Werth has been out of the Nats lineup since May 2nd and will be eligible to return on May 18, 2013.  On the season, Werth has appeared in 26 games and is batting .260 with 2 doubles and 4 homers.

Perez is one of the top outfield prospect in the Washington Nationals minor league system.  The 22 year-old Dominican outfielder has played in 23 games at Syracuse (AAA) this season and has batted an impressive .346.  In 107 at bats, Perez has 5 doubles, 1 triple, and a home run.  Perez has recorded a .439 slugging percentage and a .352 on base percentage.  Perez batted a combined .314 between AA and AAA last season.  Perez had a .344 on base percentage last season and swiped 51 bases.  Perez has a cyrrent nine game hitting streak at AAA.