BOTTOM LINE: The Anaheim Ducks are looking to break a five-game skid with a win against the Washington Capitals. Washington has a 21-15-6 record overall and a 12-7-3 record on its home ice. The Capitals have gone 8-3-0 in games they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponents.

Justin Sourdif had his first career NHL hat trick and five points total, Connor McMichael had four assists and the Capitals held on to outlast the Anaheim Ducks, 7-4. Brandon Duhaime and Dylan McIlrath both also fought Jacob Trouba and Ross Johnston, respectively.

Alex Ovechkin is not yet done setting records as his two-goal night in the Capitals' win over the Ducks has him making history again.

The optimism that built over the season's first two months has all but vanished for the Anaheim Ducks, who bring a season-long five-game losing streak on the road Monday night against the Washington Capitals.

The Ducks remain one of the more pleasant surprises in the NHL this season. With an exciting young core, the Quack Attack seems to be back in Orange County. The team has a bit of a slide, having lost five games in a row, falling out of first place in the Pacific Division.

Justin Sourdif's hat trick on Monday night is just another step in the right direction for the Capitals' newest fan favorite.

The postseason seemed to be a certainty just a few weeks ago. What has gone wrong, and what do the Ducks need to rediscover?