We haven’t played well of late. Saturday’s loss in Toronto was difficult to watch.

We are 10-7-1 after 18 games.

There are a lot of games left to be played this season.

We have four games to play this week, three at home.

It is amazing how fast things can turn from positive to negative. Just last weekend we won a game on Friday in N.J. and then played a game at home on Saturday. We jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but we ended up losing that game in a shootout. We garnered three of four points. That was a week ago.

We then headed to Nashville and played a very good game, but we garnered no points. We then struggled against the Jets, although they have beaten Tampa, Washington and Philly all in a row at home. They are the real deal. Then we just didn’t perform at all against Toronto.

So we get back at it tonight against a very good Coyotes team (10-5-3).

We must focus as a team and as a franchise on fundamentals, team play, intensity and incremental improvements. Win shifts. Win periods. Win games. Garner points. Build confidence.

Wish us well. Go Caps!

“Don’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows.”

Remember when we were 7-0? That seems like a long time ago.

We noted to NOT get too excited. The season was long. It was a grind and that we would hit bad spells along the way.

We are in one of those tough stretches right now.

It feels awful I know. I received one email that asked, “What if you don’t win another game all season? Will you show concern then?”

So if we didn’t get too high with the wins and the winning streak, I think we need to be rationale and not get overly emotional with the lows and some losses.

I believe this is the right way to work and to plan and to improve.

We are less than a quarter of the way through the season. I am sure there will be plenty more ups and plenty more downs along the way.

We too are concerned. We want to play better. We are also trying to show emotional maturity.

Read all of these pixels from the media and blogosphere. Don’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows. It is November NOT March or April or May or June. You know what I am saying, right? Thank you. Go Caps! Wish us well tonight.