Through four games in Washington, Ivan Ciernik, 24, has no goals and one assist with a +1 defensive rating and 0 PIMs in the limited minutes provided by coach Ron Wilson. Standing at 6-1, 220 pounds, Ciernik helps to provide the Caps with the big left wing they have lacked. The most impressive things Ciernik has shown thus far are his effort and power. The big winger has drawn a number of penalties since his arrival in D.C. by keeping his feet moving at all times. He is not the type of player who effortlessly coasts through the defensive zone as he is always skating at full stride, trying to keep the opposition in the corners and out from in front of the net. Ciernik has shown the ability to deliver big hits, but he does not use his body enough. In his first four games, Ciernik has received spot duty as the left wing on Jaromir Jagr’s line and he may be able to stay there if he plays a more physical role. The negative side of Ciernik’s game has been his lack of an offensive presence. So far, he has shown very little offensive potential, but he has still managed one good scoring chance per game.
In his first twelve games in Washington, Colin Forbes, 25, has two goals (including the Caps’ 1st shorthanded goal of the season against St. Louis on January 30th) and one assist with a -1 defensive rating and 2 PIMs. Forbes has been an impressive addition to the Caps 3rd and 4th line combinations. Like Ciernik, Forbes is a big left wing (6-3, 205) and has also shown the ability to be a physical player, but he does not use his size enough. Forbes is less talented defensively than Ciernik, but he has shown a much greater offensive upside. Forbes has displayed very good speed for a forward of his size and is very good at driving the puck to the front of the net. He has not shown Caps management an outstanding shot or superior passing capabilities, but he has shown them his soft hands and potent strength on his skates. Forbes is a decent role player who could be much better if he played a more physical brand of hockey, but he has been a welcome addition to the Caps’ depleted forward corps.
22-year-old defenseman, J.F. Fortin has been a very nice surprise and a terrific addition to the wounded Capitals’ blueline. Through ten games, Fortin has no points accompanied by a -3 defensive rating and 4 PIMs. His defensive statistics are deceptive as he done an impressive job orchestrating the transition game and has been an effective two-way defenseman. J.F. has provided the Caps’ blueline with some additional speed and size (6-2, 205). Fortin had some bad luck in his first game with the Caps (vs Columbus, January 9th) as the puck deflected into the net off his foot in the middle of the first period. Since that error, Fortin has been excellent defensively for the Caps. Jean-Francois missed two games with a strained muscle, but he has returned to full speed since his return. Todd Rohloff, 28, has also been a nice addition to the Capitals’ defensive corps as well.
Rohloff’s arrival to the Caps’ backline forced 36 year old defenseman Joe Reekie out of the defensive rotation. Rohloff is a very similar defenseman to Reekie. Rohloff is a big stay-at-home defenseman who plays mistake-free in the defensive end. He has been paired with all-star Sergei Gonchar and he plays the same role Reekie had before he was dealt to Chicago.
In recent days, General Manager George McPhee told the Washington press that he is so impressed with Rohloff and Fortin that they will remain with the big club for the remainder of the season if they continue to play at the high level that has helped return the Caps’ defense to respectability.
