Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Washington Capitals.
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLB | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA| LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG
G Braden Holtby
Don't let the loss column fool you, Holtby has been as good or even slightly better this season compared to last. The Capitals' offense has failed him in spots, but his .928 save percentage and 2.02 GAA are both career bests. The lack of dominance on his team's part reduces his value a bit, but he's a top-five goaltender without a doubt. Grade: A
LW Alex Ovechkin
It's difficult to think of Ovechkin as a bust, but the consensus number 2 draft pick in fantasy has been exactly that. His 16 goals and 10 assists are solid, but not the spectacular level he's known for. That type of production is what you hope for from your third- or fourth-round selection. While it's still good, you want great. Ovie has been a let down. Grade: C
C Nicklas Backstrom
Backstrom leads the Capitals in points and assists. While this is cause for celebration, he's only slightly outperforming expectations and the Capitals as a whole are tied for 18th in scoring. He's been one of the brightest lights, but he's mostly performed as advertised. He makes his linemates better. Grade: B+
LW Marcus Johansson
The fantasy surprise of the season. Johansson's 24 points are third on the team and has vastly played above his ADP. Even though he goes through prolonged droughts, he's steady enough that he's rarely a bust in weekly formats. Since you likely plucked him off waivers, the price was more than reasonable. Grade: A-
C Evgeny Kuznetsov
Kuznetsov is the biggest bust on the team. He was an early-round pick following a 77-point explosion in 2015-16. He's stumbled through the early going, but has seen some improvements in December with nine assists in his last 11 games. It's not enough to remove the stink of the rest of the season because he's been doing no fantasy team any favors. Grade: D
RW T.J. Oshie
Oshie missed some time due to injury this season, making his 15 points seem lower than they are. Still, he's never developed into the top-end scorer he looked like he might. He's above average, and has big games. He has three two-goal games on the season. Peaks and valleys are to be expected, but he provides solid depth as long as he's healthy. Grade: B-
RW Justin Williams
The elder statesman, Williams has offered little fantasy value after a productive 52-point campaign in 2015-16. He, like several teammates, is off that pace. Don't expect a huge correction unless he starts taking more shots as his shooting percentage is actually better than a year ago. If he gets hot, pick him up, but he's waiver wire fodder at best. Grade: F
D John Carlson
Carlson is fifth on the team in points, but is underwhelming after a breakout season last year. Shortened by injury, he had 39 points in 57 games, an excellent return for a blueliner. With only 18 points in 34 games, he's not likely going to average similar production. Still, he's not a bad option at D, though he was an overpay on draft day. Grade: C+
D Matt Niskanen
Niskanen went much later in drafts and has comparable numbers to his counterpart in Carlson. While he hasn't lit the world on fire with his 15 points, he was never expected to. Relative to draft day expectations, he's been decent, though he can be dropped if the right replacement comes along on the wire. Grade: B-
Player to watch: C/LW Zachary Sanford
Sanford's first round with the Capitals was not productive, as he recorded a lone assist in 20 games. He only averaged 10 minutes of ice time and has been sent back to the AHL. With the Hershey Bears, he has seven points in seven games. There is point-scoring upside and if he gets another shot, he will be a second-half sleeper candidate.
