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Caps’ Green: ‘I think I’m coming into my own again’

Calgary Flames v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals (R) celebrates is first of two goals in the second period with Nicklas Backstrom #19 (L) and Mike Green #52 (C) against the Calgary Flames at the Verizon Center on October 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green is one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers from the blueline, so it’s no surprise that he was a little rattled by failing to score a goal for the first 24 games of the season. He told the Washington Post that he believes he’s put those struggles behind him, though.

“I was fighting it for a little while,” Green said. “But I think I’m coming into my own again. I think it’s just taken some time to get my feel in the game. Sometimes you go through those stretches. It’s definitely gone on a little longer than I’ve wanted, but I feel I’m improving.”

The 28-year-old has a pair of goals in 10 December games, and he’s been productive enough assists-wise overall, as helpers account for 16 of his 18 points in 34 contests.

One can credit Capitals head coach Adam Oates with helping Green not to panic when the goals weren’t coming.

“It’s like a quarterback who starts throwing some interceptions and starts second guessing his decisions and it affects his throws,” Oates said. “That’s a coach’s job is to help him through it.”

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins