Christian Djoos is establishing himself as a legitimate Washington Capitals prospect.

Riley Barber

RW - Miami (Ohio) University – 18

Freshman Riley Barber had another month to remember for the Miami RedHawks, but not before he ended his World Juniors debut in style. In the three January championship round games, Barber scored two goals, one assist, and went +2 to help lead his Team USA to the gold medal. He ended the tournament with three goals and three assists in seven games. Barber has also been in fine form with his NCAA team. In January, Barber, who turns 19 this month, appeared in six games, scoring one goal and three assists and going -1. On the season, Barber now has nine goals and 17 assists in 24 games. He has a +8 rating.

Greg Burke

C – University of New Hampshire (NCAA) – 22

After making his return from a six-game absence with a shoulder injury in late December, Greg Burke’s injury woes continued into 2013. The forward, in his last year of NHL eligibility, managed to appear in only two games, going pointless and -2, before going down with an undisclosed injury. Burke now has three goals, two assists, and a +1 rating in 13 games this season.

Travis Boyd

C – University of Minnesota (NCAA) – 19

Much like Burke, Minnesota sophomore Travis Boyd had a pretty disappointing January. After a tremendous start to his season, Boyd saw action in seven games this month, but managed only one assist. Boyd’s numbers, however, are still rather impressive, as he now stands at three goals, nine assists, 12 points, and a +3 rating in 26 games.

Connor Carrick

D - Plymouth Whalers (OHL) - 18

Connor Carrick has been fighting his way through a bit of a rollercoaster season, but after a disappointing December, he impressed in January. Plymouth played well, and Carrick was a major reason why, racking up four goals and six assists for 10 points and a +2 rating in just 12 games. The defensemen now has 30 points in 50 games. His rating is +3. All-around, the numbers are very encouraging for the Caps fifth-round pick.

Thomas DiPauli

C - University of Notre Dame (NCAA) - 18

The difficult start to the season for fourth-rounder Tom DiPauli continued past the halfway mark, as the forward managed a rather miserable -3 rating with just one goal in eight games in January. DiPauli now stands at four goals and two assists through 26 games, though his +4 rating and continuous top-six exposure suggests his luck should soon turn.

Christian Djoos

D - Brynäs (Elitserien) - 18

Few Caps prospects had a better month of January than young Swedish defenseman Christian Djoos. It started with two World Juniors games, where he went -2 but did play a significant role as Sweden reached the final. He ended his debut WJC tournament with three assists and a -2 rating in six games. We’ll see him back next year. But it was in Elitserien play with Brynäs where Djoos really turned it on. In the first three games of the month, he was pointless, making it 31 games in a row where Djoos had failed to record a goal or assist. Then, his confidence surged, as he went on to score the first two goals and three assists of his pro career in the next seven games. He even received his first game misconduct for talking a little too much to the referee. His rating was -1. On the year, Djoos now has two goals and three assists for five points in 38 games. His plus-minus rating is +1 and he averages 14:32 of ice time per game. Those are incredibly impressive numbers for an 18-year-old in arguably the world’s second best men’s league.

Filip Forsberg

RW - Leksand (HockeyAllsvenkan) - 18

Like Djoos, Forsberg had a great month of January, which began with his road to the World Juniors final. In the semi final and final, the Caps first-rounder and Team Sweden Captain scored one goal. He ended the tournament with three goals and two assists in five games, being named to the tournament All-Star team in the process. Forsberg has also been in fine form with Leksand in the Swedish second division. This month, Forsberg appeared in eight games, from which he scored an impressive four goals and five assists, along with a lofty +9 rating. In 30 games in 2012-13, the winger has 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, and a +12 rating. The guy is NHL ready.

Garrett Haar

D –Western Michigan University (NCAA) – 19

Garrett Haar did not play in January after picking up an undisclosed upper-body injury late in December, but is expected to return soon. He remains at three goals and three assists in 16 games and an even plus-minus rating.

Caleb Herbert

C – University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) – 21

After his miserable start to the year, sophomore forward Caleb Herbert’s resurgence continued into 2013. Though he is still well off the pace of his 2011-12 numbers, Herbert’s one goal and two assists in January suggest he is improving. That said, he remains at five goals and eight assists through 24 games, rather disappointing numbers for a player who was expected to become a leading NCAA scorer this season. His rating is -1.

Patrick Koudys

D – Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – 20

Patrick Koudys continued his unremarkable season for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks this month, totaling four assists, a -1 rating, and 28 penalty minutes in 11 games. The Penn State Nittany Lions-bound blueliner stands at 10 assists in 44 games this season, and is rapidly sinking off the radar of Caps prospects.

Evgeny Kuznetsov

RW – Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL) – 20

After continuing to improve his NHL stock through the first half of the season, the league’s top prospect had a comparatively quiet January, notching two goals and six assists in 11 games. Perhaps even more quiet was his -5 rating. Still, Kuzya showed progression from last year by reaching the 49-game mark with 42 points, as opposed to 41 in 2011-12, while his 20:46 average time on ice shows clearly the responsibility he carries for Traktor Chelyabinsk. As mentioned, he has 42 points through 49 games, which places him seventh among all KHL players. He is set to star for Russia in the upcoming Swedish portion of the European Hockey Tour.

Jaynen Rissling

D - Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – 19

The great 2012-13 continued for seventh-round pick Jaynen Rissling. A player not known for his offensive flair, the 6’4”, 225-pound defenseman racked up seven assists in 11 games. His rating was +7 and he also contributed with two fights. Eligible for an AHL contract at the end of this season, Rissling is making a good case to be a pro next year with four goals, 18 assists, +20, and 104 PIMs all being signs he is ready to make the next step in his development.

Taylor Stefishen

LW - University of Calgary (CIS) - 22

Very much a fringe prospect, Taylor Stefishen was solid in January, posting four goals and four assists for eight points through eight games. On the season, Stefishen has 20 points and a +9 rating in 25 games played.

Chandler Stephenson

LW - Regina Pats (WHL) - 18

Though a scary tendon injury disrupted his season, Chandler Stephenson will likely be happy with his performance this year. January was another good month. The grinding 2012 third-rounder scored two goals and six assists in 11 games, and posted an even plus-minus rating. He also had one fight. To date, Stephenson has totaled 10 goals and 16 assists through 26 games, numbers to be proud of for an 18-year-old playing in a very tough Western Hockey League.

Steffen Søberg

G – Vålerenga (GET-Ligaen) – 19 

After a very disappointing December, Steffen Søberg bounced back big-time in January, leading his Vålerenga to seven wins and a return to the summit of the GET-Ligaen. Personally, Søberg saw his save percentage rise from .911 to .915, and his goals-against-average drop from 2.54 to 2.42. Caps fans may be frustrated about his decision to stay in Norway last season, but his talent and potential is hard to question.

Patrick Wey

D – Boston College (NCAA) – 21

After a great start to the season, the #1 ranked BC Eagles struggled badly in January, managing to win only two of seven games. Caps blueliner Patrick Wey actually wasn’t that bad, going pointless but +3 in that stretch. He should play a major role should the Eagles manage to bounce back in February. Wey now has one goal and eight assists in 23 games, to go along with a +8 rating.

Tom Wilson

RW - Plymouth Whalers (OHL) - 18

In many ways, it was literally an unbelievable month of Tom Wilson. At times, he was superhuman, and at times, he was downright dangerous. It was a tale of two months for the 6’3” manchild, as he first totaled two goals and eight points in five games, then proved himself to be very near NHL-ready at Washington Capitals training camp, and then racked up 20 penalty minutes in two games on his return. He would also be suspended for five games, though he is eligible to return early on in February. Wilson has 13 goals and 36 points through 33 games. 

Austin Wuthrich

RW - University of Notre Dame (NCAA) - 19

Thomas DiPauli may have had a rough start to the season, but it does not come close to the struggles Austin Wuthrich has been going through. The sophomore at Notre Dame was -2 with one goal in eight January games, but picked up an injury towards the end, and looks set to miss some time in February. To date, the winger, who it was hoped would step up to play a big role for the Fighting Irish this year, has two goals and four assists to go along with a -1 rating in 23 games.

DC Pro Sports Report Three Stars of the Month:

1. Christian Djoos (10Gms, 2G, 3A, 5P, -1)

2. Filip Forsberg (8Gms, 4G, 5A, 9P, +9)

3. Connor Carrick (12Gms, 4G, 6A, 10P, +2)

Will Robert Griffin III begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list? It appears likely, according to ESPN's Adam Scheffler. Placing RGIII on the PUP list would allow him more time to heal and open up an additional spot for an extra quarterback on the Washington roster. Griffin is recovering from a torn ACL and LCL and the team won't know when he might return until some time this Summer.

Skins fans aren't alone in wondering when the Rookie of the Year will return. The NFL wants to know as it will impact when, and how often, the league schedules the Redskins for nationally televised games. The 2013 regular season schedule will be released in April.

The National Hockey League announced earlier today that Washington Capitals defenseman John Erskine has been suspended three games for an elbow to the head of Philadelphia Flyers' forward Wayne Simmonds during last night's 3-2 Caps win.

Erskine had raised his elbow during a 50-50 battle for the puck, striking Simmonds in the side of the head. Flyers General Manager Mike Holmgren confirmed on Saturday that Simmonds had suffered a concussion on the play.

Erskine was in the midst of a very good start to the season, having recorded two points and looking like one of the better Caps defenseman through his five games. The Caps will likely call one of Roman Hamrlik or Tom Poti during Erskine's absence.

A fantastic rookie year for Washington Redskins quarterback and second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft culminated tonight in the only way it could -- Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year awward for Robert Griffin III. Griffin had already won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year award.

"Well, it’s a truly a blessing to be up here and be able to stand, first and foremost,” said Griffin accepting the award. “I had a tough injury there at the end of the season. I thank our coaches, thank our players. I want to give a hand clap for Alfred Morris, who’s also up for this award. All the competition for this award was extremely good. … It seems like the league’s in good hands with the young quarterbacks," he added, referencing other star rookie passers like Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts, the first overall pick in the Draft, and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, a third round selection. 

Griffin walked with a slight limp, having relied on crutches for the past two weeks since having recontructive surgery on his right knee to repair the torn ACL. 

Griffin completed 65.6 percent of his passes this year, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, both numbers among the best in the entire league. Griffin threw for 20 touchdowns and ran for another seven against only five interceptions and two fumbles lost. Griffin's 815 rushing yards [6.8 yards per attempt] is the most in NFL history by a rookie quarterback. His passer rating of 102.4 is the highest in NFL history for a rookie and he became the first rookie quarterback since Dan Marino in 1983 to be originally selected to the Pro Bowl.

More than any other sporting event, the Super Bowl is loaded with prop bets. Prop bets are wagers on anything but the traditional point spread or over/under.

You don't have to be stats guy either to enjoy these wagers. The number listed is the amount of winnings (+) or losses (-) based on a $100 bet.

How long will Alicia Keys's national anthem go on for?
Over 2:15: -110
Under 2:15: -110

Will Beyoncé's hair be straight or curly/crimped at the beginning of the halftime show?
Straight: -140
Curly/crimped: Even

Will Beyoncé be joined onstage by Jay-Z during the Halftime Show at any point?
Yes: +110
No: -150

How will the opening coin toss land?
Heads: -102
Tails: -102

These are just a few of MANY available at Bovada sport book.

Replacing a legend is never easy, especially when the court you play on has his name on it. Gary Williams was one of the most popular coaches in Maryland history and one of the most familiar faces in the DC Metro area. Gary retired following the 2010-'11 season and a nationwide search ended in College Station with then Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon.

Turgeon is in his second season in College Park and ten students have created a new tradition, "Turgeonites". The group wears suits and cheer on the Terps from behind the Maryland bench. The group actually began last season and considered hanging it up, but say due to overwhelming support from family and on message boards, brought it back this season.

I was the guest today on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt on News Channel 8 today and we had the full hour to ourselves to talk about the upcoming Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens. We discussed which team Redskins fans will be rooting for on Sunday and we took a fun and nostalgic look back 25 years ago, when the Redskins won the Super Bowl in historic fashion, 42-10 over the Denver Broncos, with Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams leading the way. Included is an interview with Doug Williams, who discussed that great game and his relationship to the Redskins and the fans. 

Enjoy.

If you are going to raise ticket prices, what better time than following a Divisional title, right?

General Admission ticket prices are going up as much as ten percent, the first increase in seven seasons according to the team. Parking is also going up, a pass will cost you $40 this season.

Fans may begin renewing their season packages beginning on Monday.

There was a time when Redskins Nation stretched far into the Southeast. Facebook has released a county by county map detailing NFL fandom and it seems the 'Skins domination now lies mainly in the District and Virginia. This may contribute to the team's plans for Training Camp in Richmond for at least the next ten seasons.

Time for an updated DC Pro Sports Report stock report.  Let's take a look at who's stock is UP and who's stock is DOWN. 

STOCK UP:

F Matt Hendricks:  The gutsy and gritty forward for the Washington Capitals has been one of the most consistent players in this awful start to a season.  One thing you can't do is question the effort of Hendricks.  He has stood up for fights to fire his team up, plays and skates hard each shift, and tries to stir up the Caps.  Hendricks also isn't afraid to take a beating and hang out in front of the opposing net.  It's called net presence.  Wish others would do it.  Unfortunately for Hendricks, there is just too much going wrong for the Washington Capitals right now. 

F Mike Ribeiro:  Ribeiro has 6 points in 6 games.  He lead the Washington Capitals in assists and overall points.  He has been consistent on offense and has provided what the Caps expected of him. 

F Joel Ward:  Again, you can see the descriptions of Hendricks and Ribeiro above and apply them to Ward.  Ward certainly looks like the player the Caps expected when they signed him two years ago, rather than last year.  This year Ward is healthy, having fully recovered from a sports hernia he suffered form last season.  In five games, Ward has recorded 3 goals and 2 assists.  Ward, like Hendricks, will hang out and provide some net presence.  Anyone expect Ward to lead the Caps in goals scored at the sixgame mark? 

C Emeka Okafor:  The Wizards center has been sensational the last three games.  Over that course, Okafor has average 17.6 points per game while grabbing an average of 16 rebounds per game, including a 17 rebound effort against Philadelphia last night.  Despite losing to Sacramento, Okafor dropped 23 points while grabbing 15 rebounds. 

STOCK DOWN:

F Alex Ovechkin:  The team Captain has been nearly non-existent this season.  He is continuing to use moves in the offensive zone that are old and predcitable.  In the first 6 games of the season, Ovi has tallied just 1 goal and 1 assist with a -2.  Quite frankly, from what we have watched develop over the last two season in Ovi's game, I suspect it won't get much better until Alex decides that a change in the way he plays might be fruitful.  Ovi provided one bad entarnce into the offensive zone in overtime against New Jersey that led tot he Devils decisive goal in overtime.  I've said it before and say it again, the "C" needs placed elsehwere while Ovi works on his game.  Perhaps, the first step, could be consisteny in lines from bench boss Adam Oates.  How can we expect line chemistry to develop when lines are constantly shifted?  For Ovi, this decline has been happening for nearly two seasons. 

C Nicklas Backstrom:  The fact that Backstrom is not producing at the same time Ovi is not producing has compounded the problems for the Caps.  You want to look at why the Capitals are 1-4-1, one of the main reason is the lack of production from Line 1.  In six games, Backstrom has just 3 assists and is a -2.  The Washington stars are absent.  Stop blaming the system and adaptation thereto.  That doesn't work whyen you see guys like Ribeiro, Ward, and Hendricks playing well. 

Bradley Beal:  The Wizards rookie is hurt again.

Jan Vesely:  Washington's 2011 first rounder has played just 6 minutes in the last 3 games for a mere 2 points.  The 2011 draft has been a nightmare and Ernie Grunfield needs to be accountable.  Part of the problem the Wiz have with Vesely is there is no real role for him on this team. Another words --- he is nothing more than a draft bust and waste for a team that can't afford to waste draft picks.

Chris Singleton:  Another 2011 first rounder that appears to have absolutely no role to play on this team.  In the last three games, Singleton has contributed 0 minutes.

P Gio Gonzalez:  Gonzalez had a bad past few days.  Being named in a Miami news article as having ties to PEDs with Biogenesis is not good for one's reputation.  By placing Gonzalez here, we do not offer judgment.  If true, what was pruchased in Gio's name appears to not have any ingredients on the MLB ban list.  Gio headed for suspension?  Doubtful.  He is listed here because, regardless of the turnout, being linked with a story like this, harms a reputation, something Gio will have to deal with.  Not a good week for Gio.