It's very doable

I think it's doable but the Caps have to keep it realistic in their minds of each five-game segment.

Breaking the grand scheme down into the smaller elements will help the team as they play some of their tougher opponents, such as they will in this next stretch.

Instead of too many "we-can-take-this-night-off" kind of nights which happen over a season, it'll be harder for the players to lose focus or even have a chance to lose focus if they keep this structure going.

It's almost like the way Guillen (sp) managed the White Sox last year. Take it 1 series at a time. That's what they did. Its a completly different strategy but I really like it. Win today, we'll be on schedule.

Tarik - love the blog. Thanks for doing it.

see you at the game tonight. GO CAPS.

I think this is a smart way to go. Going from last place to playoffs is hard and with young guys, keeping their heads in it night in night out with a list of smaller goals is the way its going to get done...go caps!!

Going from last place to playoffs is what the Ducks did a few years ago. It is doable. One game at a time, one 5 game series at a time. The Caps have what it takes to do it. And I have a gut feeling they will.

The five-six plan is ambitious -- and foolish. The Caps need to dwell in the cellar for another season, securing for themselves another top pick.

Such is the blueprint for success in the new NHL.

I think it is realistic for some of the stretches. Like the past 5 games its reasonable to get 6 points, but as Tarik said 6 points against the next 5 teams is going to be pretty hard to do.

If the Caps make the playoffs, it will be a big surprise but if they don't but can contend for most of the season, I dont think that is a disappointment.

Tarik, do you have any idea what the deal with Peter Bondra is? Any chance the Caps are reconsidering or of any team signing him?

Mike P -- I haven't spoken to Bondra's agent in a while, but I'm going to see someone who talks to him often tonight in Atlanta. Lemme see what I can find out.

While I loved Peter when he was here, he wore out his welcome with the negotiations before he went to Atlanta. Plus, where would he play on this team? There is no room for a 40 year old former sniper on this rebuilding Caps team.

Heck, Zednick was a stretch as it was.

Considering Bondra's still unsigned, he's either asking too much or lost more than a few steps.

He might be useful as mentor, but I think the veteran minimum for Bondra is too high for someone likely to be a Mr. "Healthy Scratch".

We're probably better off looking for some more talented Russian wingers named "Alex"

Once Ovechkin starts playing like he can...

I was at the game Wednesday. Great start, but a shame the Caps didn't come back for the second and third periods.

Bigger issue: there were maybe 7500 people there, forget the official attendance figure. It's too early to panic, sure, but is there any sign the Caps' attendance will improve? What's the status of season ticket sales and renewals? And when do we start seeing stories about how the league still is suffering from the lockout, a lousy TV contract, and poor attendance?

Is Ovechkin really injured?

Blackcloud, I think attendance league-wide is okay. The Caps' figures are last in the league I think. Attendance, unfortunately, will pick up when we play some of our former Patrick division foes because of other teams' fans.

Ted has even jokingly said that if he could, he would prefer a schedule consisting of only the Flyers and Rangers, simply because those games have the highest attendance.

Caps attendance figures are not last in the league. Chicago, St. Louis, NY Islanders, are all below the Caps in terms of average attendance this season.

They will come after football season, but maybe it will be earlier this year as the Redskins are....well....crap

Tallbear,

Don't forget the Penguins.