This season has been a roller coaster ride for the Washington Capitals. After starting the season with seven straight wins, the Caps would miss the playoffs if the season ended today.

Luckily, Washington still has 26 games to play before the postseason begins, starting with a pivotal match-up against the Southeast Division leading Florida Panthers.

On “The Mike Wise Show” Thursday, 106.7 The Fan’s Capitals insider Al Koken agreed with Wise that Friday’s game against the Panthers is a potential do-or-die clash.

While Koken still thinks the Caps will reach the playoffs, he admits the team won’t be a Stanley Cup contender unless Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and the other core players improve their play down the stretch. Koken also admits to some concerns about the coaching style and approach of Dale Hunter, and the state of the Caps’ roster.

To listen to the entire interview, click below