DC Pro Sports Stock Report (1/31)
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.
