Mike Ribeiro Is Who We Thought He Was

Photo by Chris Gordon

In seven games this season, Mike Ribeiro has a goal and seven assists, which leads the Caps in points right ahead of Joel Ward‘s four goals and two assists.

Ribeiro, who turns 33 on Feb. 10, was brought to the Caps to fill the role of second-line center that the team has been lacking for several seasons, someone to take some pressure off of Nicklas Backstrom (who has four assists and is a -2 so far this year, and is signed through 2020).

While it’s still early in the season, and tacking on points hardly matter when the team keeps losing, it’s clear that acquiring  Ribeiro was the best move General Manager George McPhee made in the offseason. Plus, much of Ribeiro’s $5 million salary was made possible by the departure of Alex Semin – not exactly a player anyone thinks is the answer to the Caps’ current woes.

Despite the fast start, Ribeiro said in an interview with Comcast’s Al Koken on Tuesday that he still feels he can play a lot better. With assists on both goals in Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Toronto, the 1-5-1 Caps are certainly getting the points they expected from him.

He’s also an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. It may still be early, but it’s clear that Ribeiro is a spark this team needs to keep.

Other things to like about Ribeiro

• His nickname is Ribs (Would look awesome as neck bling spelled Ribz)
• He says he’s a good dancer (name one other hockey player who would say that)
• Music? Kanye West and Rick Ross
• A dog lover: Boss, Bella and LouLou
• He’s a family man