To Trade or not to Trade?

Last week Washington Capitals GM George McPhee was adamant that the Caps would be players, either buyer or seller, as the NHL trade deadline approaches. But, things could change? The Caps are on a downward slide, losers of 5 of their last 6.
Injuries to Chris Clark, Brian Pothier, and Michael Nylander appears to be catching up with the Caps as they have appeared to have fallen back into the scoring slump that they suffered through in the beginning of the season. Again, it is not the shots on goal, it is scoring that has dried up. It’s no secret that the Caps are in need of a tough blue line defensemman who will punish skaters coming near the net. They lack it right now. None have stepped up. It also is not a secret that the Capitals have struggled to replace Michael Nylander, lost for the year to shoulder surgery. Various combos have been used, but with little effectiveness.
The Capitals lie 5 points out of the Southeast behind Carolina and 4 points out of the 8th playoff spot. They are clearly still in the thick of a division and playoff push. That’s not the point. The underlying point is the way the Capitals have played recently. Goals are hard to come by, penalty kill has been less than steller, and the defense has shown strings of weakness. The issue is, can the Washington Capitals get help via trade for a rush to a playoff spot. Even bigger though is — what would the Capitals have to give up to get help and how would that effect the overall plan of the rebuild?
I’m pretty torn here. Alot would be dependent on what prospects are being sought. The Capitals are indeed close to a playoff berth and a Southeast division title, but it is becoming more and more clear that the injuries we suffered are beginning to be felt. We clearly lack a tough blue liner. That’s obvious. But will it make a difference in this particular race?

The Caps are struggling right now. We know that. Heck, Alexander Ovechkin has not scored a goal in the last 4 games. At this point, rather than depart with any serious prospect, I would hang tough.
They did lose yesterday, but they picked up a standing point,. The lost 2-1 in overtime to the Eastern Conference leader. They lost to a red hot handed Marty Brodeur. It was a loss I can live with and can take. Again, we still got a critical standing point. Again, before there is too much panicing, remember, the Caps are struggling a bit, but better now than in ten games from now. They’ll snap out of it. Personally, it appeared as if they were snapping out of it yesterday with some outstanding shots on goal, but they just happen to run into one of the best, Mr. Brodeur. The opportunities were there, were created, but Mr. Brodeur was not allowing entrance, period.