‘DSC_5748’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

Capitals
Record: 5-3
Place: 2nd in the Southeast, 1 point back of Tampa
Last Two Weeks: 4-2

With two losses back to back to the Bruins, to listen to some Caps fans, it was time to throw in the towel. Sanity prevailed Saturday night at the Phone Booth as the Caps put together an overtime victory against Atlanta on a beautiful goal by Tomas “Flash” Fleischmann. Alexander Semin chalked up his fourth career hat trick, as well, giving Caps fans every reason to be happy.

It’s not all sunshine and lollipops in Caps-land, though, and there’s reason to be a little concerned. The Caps were shooting just 4.9% over a three game span, which is about 10% under “normal,” and their puckhandling has left a lot to be desired in the last few starts, with a lot of sloppy play. It’s early yet, and if October hockey is the worst we see, I think we’ll be in for another great season.

The Caps are on a little road jaunt this week, heading down to Carolina, Minnesota and then off West to Calgary before coming home next week to face Toronto, Boston and the hated Flyers of Philadelphia.

‘DeAngelo Hall Intercepts Mark Sanchez’
courtesy of ‘Tony DeFilippo’

Redskins
Record: 4-3
Place: 2nd in the East, Half a game back of NY
Last Two Weeks: 1-1

If you say nothing else about the Redskins this season, say that the games are always close, always interesting, and there’s always plenty to talk about. Yesterday’s “win” over the Bears was probably the ugliest football game in recent memory, what with nine turnovers and two defensive touchdowns, but an ugly win is still a win.

The Skins have clocked in with their fourth win of the season, tying them with all of last year, with 9 games still to go. Don’t get too excited, Washington fans, the Skins only won two games after Halloween last year, and their offensive production has been sorely lacking this far. Unless the Skins can figure out their passing game, I think we could see a 6-10 or 7-9 team. McNabb’s 76.0 Quarterback rating is lower than Jason Campbell’s was at this point last season, and the Redskins receiving corps is probably the worst in the division at this point. Thankfully for them, Ryan Torain has proven to be a solid back, and the running game is saving the season.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the defense. Even though DeAngelo Hall is having a solid season at cornerback, he’s not the rule for the Redskins defense, who are struggling in the move to the 3-4. The Skins are last in total defense, and are averaging giving up 400 yards per game, but they’re proving effective at eventually stopping the drive, as they’re 9th of 32 when it comes to points scored.

D.C. United
Record:6-20-4
Place:Last in the MLS
Last Two Weeks:

By all counts, this has been an awful season for D.C. United, but all was forgiven for a shining evening at RFK Saturday night, as 18,000+ said goodbye to franchise hero Jaime Moreno. Moreno, playing his last game with United, retook the MLS all-time lead in goals with a penalty kick in the 39th minute, and held on to it as Cunningham failed to score in his final match.

Sadly, Toronto was hell-bent on destroying any semblance of atmosphere, and won the game with a late goal from Dwayne De Rosario. United finish the year with their worst record ever, and with a miserable -26 goal differential, also a franchise worst. United will need to sort out their offensive communication issues in the offseason and potentially retool around young star Andy Najar, if they want to compete next year.