Three reasons why the Washington Washington Capitals have been falling in the standings and how they can fix it

The Washington Capitals are falling like a rock. Since the NHL All-Star Break, the Caps have struggled to put a win on the board. In fact, they've struggled just to put points on the board. In the recent four-game losing streak, the Capitals have averaged 1.75 goals per game.

The streak began on Super Bowl Sunday when they lost 4-1 at home in embarrassing fashion to one of the Western Conference's worst teams, the San Jose Sharks. Days later, they dropped their first of two games against the Carolina Hurricanes. Between the Valentine's Day game and the Stadium Series game against the Canes, the Capitals got blown out against the Florida Panthers.

What has caused the Washington Capitals to skid? And how can they right the ship?

1. Goaltending

When the Washington Capitals came out and acquired Darcy Kuemper in the free-agent market this summer, they hoped their recent goalie woes and drama would be over. Initially, it was the case, but lately, Kuemper and backup Charlie Lindgren have underperformed. The Capitals haven't been afraid to reach into the Hershey Bears ranks and call up Hunter Shepard and Zach Fucale when needed.

Whatever the case, the Capitals need to find a steady solution in their own ranks without going to the market for a goalie. If Washington can improve from the inside in the goaltending department, it will pay dividends for them elsewhere.

2. Scoring

Alex Ovechkin, the greatest goal scorer in modern history, is going to get his way on most nights, but where else can the Caps turn when Ovi can't get going or (like in the last week) has been on personal leave?

Tom Wilson and Evgeny Kuznetsov have been the next-best scorers, but that's not good. When looking at the overall roster construction, the only true finisher is Ovechkin. If the entire roster is set up to be skilled passers aside from the best scorer in the league, you're only a threat to score one-fourth of the time. The Washington Capitals need to find more production from Oshie, Kuznetsov, and Anthony Mantha.

3. Talent

The last question is more of a philosophical one. Do the Washington Capitals have enough overall talent and speed to compete with the NHL's best? It's hard to say yes. The Washington Capitals acquired Marcus Johansson this season to be more of a depth piece, not the team's second-most-skilled scorer in his 12th year in the league.

The Washington Capitals' recent draft struggles have shown a weakness in their scouting and talent evaluation department to generate meaningful offense outside their three best players through the draft. The Capitals have had to rely on short-term, RFA, castaway acquisitions rather than their own draft talent. That's not a recipe for long-term success.