The 26-year-old blueliner said he feels like he's found his game with the Capitals after a series of scratches.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — For Ethan Bear, his two months with the Washington Capitals have gone by in a flash.

The 26-year-old blueliner signed a two-year deal with the team in December, and over the last two months, his tenure has seen his share of ups and downs. But still, despite it all, Bear has enjoyed every second in D.C.

"Everything's been great, to be honest. Team-wise, here, the area, it's been awesome. Obviously, it's the first time I've come to a team halfway through the year. It's crazy to think there's not much time left already," Bear told The Hockey News. "There's only two, maybe less than two months in the season already, so just try and make the most of it at this point. Hopefully, we can put some wins together."u

Though Bear made waves to open his time with the Capitals, impressing as an added asset on defense, he struggled to maintain consistency as he adjusted to the team's systems while working his way back into the mix following offseason shoulder surgery that held him out for seven months. In turn, he saw a fair share of healthy scratches with head coach Spencer Carbery wanting him to find his rhythm.

"Big-picture wise, I thought early on he was really good, then a little bit of a step back, and I think it was just him coming back from the injury, getting comfortable, the newness of him being in and all that energy and then settling in. I think it's taken him a little bit of time to just learn the structure," Carbery said of Bear.

The scratches were difficult for Bear, who also cited growing pains and an adjustment period after joining the Capitals mid-season and returning from a long-term injury.

"Obviously, it's taken longer than I would've hoped," Bear said. "But you know, coming to a team halfway through the year, trying to figure out what the system is, especially as a defenseman, you know, it's a lot. I think it's a lot more challenging."

Of late, though, the 5-11, 197-pound defenseman believes he's found his identity on the ice. The last handful of games have seen Bear trend in the right direction, as his skating and timing have improved significantly, along with his awareness and prowess at both ends of the ice.

For Bear, the key has been simplifying his play and making the most of his opportunity when he got to draw back into the mix.

"Just playing my game. That's really it... I think I found what my identity is and what I need to do," Bear said, adding, "I'm just happy I finally figured out for myself. Just play the game."

Carbery agreed, saying that he's noticed a "real positive step" in the right direction.

Going forward, Bear has the chance to prove he deserves a full-time spot in the lineup, with Martin Fehervary dealing with a week-to-week, lower-body injury and the team trying to climb back up the standings into playoff position.

"It really is (nice to be part of a push)," Bear said. "If you look at the standings, it's felt like we've lost a lot, but it's interesting because that's just how close the league is. Everyone's trying to scratch and claw, and fi you can get into playoffs, anything can happen, right? You know, our goal is — we got to stay in the fight. We have to start winning more games against stronger teams and teams that are still fighting for their lives. It'll be challenging, but it's fun.

At the end of the day, it'll be a fierce competition on the blue line, and he knows he has to be ready for it.

"Every D-man in here is very good, and I think that's just a compliment to our D-corps. Doesn't matter who's in or who's out; we have a chance to win with who's on the backend every night."