The Capitals have won just one of six contests since the start of the shortened season, with captain Alex Ovechkin recording only two points.
McPhee added that the experiment of moving Ovechkin to right wing is still on the table. The 27-year-old captain could grow to like the new position, hoping it will generate some much needed offense soon enough.
"We're concerned," owner Ted Leonsis told local radio station WTOP on Wednesday. "Alex is off to a slow start... He's having to get integrated into this new system.
"He needs to play better. I don't have the answers."
Since the arrival of new head coach Adam Oates, players have had to adjust from Dale Hunter's system to Oates', and it could take some time before they get it done right.