Game #11 Recap: Caps 7 Flames 2

After a disappointing first 12 minutes of the game the Capitals returned to the form that led the NHL in scoring a year ago. Calgary scored on their first shot on goal and the Caps were on their heels. The Caps gave up four 2-on-1 rushes and then another goal at the 11-minute mark. The Caps went on the power play and a beautiful passing play set up Nicklas Backstrom for a backdoor goal to make it 2-1. The Caps looked much more inspired at the start of the second and a couple penalties by the Flames gave the Caps a 5-on-3 advantage. Alex Ovechkin took over scoring on 2 consecutive shots in 12 seconds to give Washington the lead. Then a botched clearing attempt from Calgary was turned into a sweet passing play from Backstrom to Alexander Semin who sent Mike Green in alone. Green found the back of the net for his first goal of the season.13-seconds later the Caps scored again as a Flames defensemen try to clear puck in front of the net. Unfortunately for Calgary he beat his own goalie with an own goal. Matt Bradley was given credit for the score and the rout was on. In the game, the Caps used the first line of Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin to help generate offense and they created again with a sweet pass and score from Ovechkin to Semin. To round out the 6-goal outbreak in the second period was David Steckel. Steckel was awarded a penalty shot following a breakaway where he was hooked down from behind. Moving in slowly on the right wing side he beat the goalie with a wrist shot to the roof to give the Caps a 7-2 advantage after two periods. The third period was played out with no additional scoring. The Caps improved their record to 7-4-0 on the season and finally looked like the team we expected to see this season. The next test is on Wednesday with Toronto at home. The Caps need to show this effort on a consistent basis.

Of Note:

• Michael Nuevirth continued his solid play in the Capitals net. He stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced and improved his record to 7-3-0 with a 2.15 GAA and 0.926 save percentage. He is tied for the NHL league lead in wins.
• Alex Ovechkin had 2 goals and 1 assist on the night giving him 59 multiple goal games in his career.
• Congratulations to Mike Knuble who played in his 900th career NHL game.
• Other multiple point getters on the night: Nicklas Backstrom had 1 goal and 3 assists, Alexander Semin with 1 goal and 2 assists, and Mike Green with 1 goal and 2 assists.
• The Caps dormant power play came to life going 3 for 4 and the penalty kill was perfect in 6 attempts including a lengthy 5-on-3 at the end of the second period.
• Brooks Laich and Jason Chimera each had an assist in the game.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game #11 Preview: Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta

When:  October 30, 2010 10:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 8-3-3-1

Caps Game 11 Record: 11-18-5-1

All-Time vs. CAL: 26-24-9-0

All-Time at CAL: 7-15-6-0

Last Season vs. CAL: 0-1-0

Last Meeting: 3/28/10, WAS 3 CAL 5

This Year:

WAS Record: 6-4-0

Standings Points: 12

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 4th      

Last Game: 10/28/10, WAS 1 MIN 2

Streak: Loss 1

CAL Record: 6-4-0

Standings Points: 12

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 3rd    

Last Game: 10/28/10, CAL 5 COL 6

Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 85 PERREAULT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 14 FLEISCHMANN, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 10 BRADLEY, 39 STECKEL, 26 HENDRICKS

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 4 ERSKINE, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 27 ALZNER, 89 SLOAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 70 HOLTBY

Calgary

Forward Line 1: 40 TANGUAY, 18 STAJAN, 12 IGINLA

Forward Line 2: 10 HAGMAN, 13 JOKINEN, 17 BOURQUE

Forward Line 3: 20 GLENCROSS, 11 BACKLUND, 8 MORRISON

Forward Line 4: 44 MEYER, 24 CONROY, 15 JACKMAN

Defense Pair 1: 28 REGHER, 4 BOUWMEESTER

Defense Pair 2: 3 WHITE, 5 GIODANO

Defense Pair 3: 29 MIKKELSON, 6 SARICH

Goalie: 34 KIPRUSOFF

Back-up Goalie: 35 KARLSSON

Injuries:

Washington – 15 GORDON (undisclosed) IR, 1 VARLAMOV (groin) IR, 3 POTI (lower body) DTD, 90 JOHANSSON (hip flexor) DTD

Calgary – 7 PARDY (shoulder) IR, KOTALIK (knee) IR, 25 MOSS (shoulder) IR, 32 STONE (knee) IR, 22 LANGKOW (neck) IR, 41 IVANANS (concussion) IR

Caps Milestones:

Mike Knuble will play his 900^th career game.

Nicklas Backstrom needs 8 assists to reach 200 in his career.

Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:

Another slow start in Minnesota was directly responsible for the 2-1 loss on Thursday. The Capitals need to get out to a good start and get on the scoreboard. The Caps have scored in the first period only 4 times in first 10 games. Of the 6 wins, only two of which can be considered a complete victory. The Caps have also struggled on the power play. They had some good looks in Minnesota but were unable to connect and have not scored on the power play in the last 5 games. Look for an even more simplified system to be employed tonight. The Caps have to get back to their systems. When the Caps use their systems they can be an elite team but when they rely on talent alone, which they have done a lot this season, they are an average hockey team. I expect this game to be an eye opener for Washington. The Flames are currently in first place in the Western Conference and will give the Caps all they can handle. I think the Minnesota game should be a wake up call for the Caps and you will see the “good” Capitals team in Calgary.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 CAL 2

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Game #10 Recap: Caps 1 Wild 2

The Caps remained win-less in Minnesota with a 2-1 loss to the Wild last evening. The game was the complete opposite of the game in Carolina. The Caps gave up an early goal and looked to be a step behind all night long. Michael Nuevirth put up another good effort in the net for the Caps but had little support from the rest of the team. Minnesota scored again in the last minute of the second period. With the Wild on the power play, Karl Alzner was called for another penalty and in the commotion the Caps stopped skating and the Wild put the puck in the net. So the Caps started the third period on the penalty kill and proceeded to take two more penalties in the frame. The Caps then put up a furious pace in the final five minutes. Alex Ovechkin cut the lead to 1 with a little over a minute remaining. Unfortunately that was all the offense they could muster. The Capitals failed to score in the first period for the 6th time in 10 games. This trend has been a major reason the Caps have been unable to play their game.Simply put the team needs to be better prepared to start each game.

Of Note:

• Ovechkin's goal broke a five game goal drought for the left winger. Mike Green got the only assist on the play.
• Nicklas Backstorm had a strong game but was robbed twice by the Minnesota goalie of the same name. Backstrom led everyone in face-off wins and percentage, winning 17 of 24 draws (71%).
• Matt Bradley was making his presents felt. He delivered a game high 5 hits.
• The Caps killed 4 of the 5 power plays they faced and have allowed 5 goals on 44 chances in the first 10 games. The Caps power play was anemic again going 0 for 2. The Caps have not scored a power play goal in the last 5 games.
• Nuevirth stopped 15 of the 17 shots he faced. He has played in all of the Capitals first 10 games.
• The teams 22 shots on goal was a season low.
• The Caps travel to Calgary to face the Flames on Saturday.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game #10 Preview: Washington Capitals at Minnesota Wild

Where: Xcel Energy Center, St Paul, MN

When:  October 28, 2010 8:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 6-11-1-0

Caps Game 10 Record: 12-17-5-0

All-Time vs. MIN: 4-5-0-1

All-Time at MIN: 0-4-0-1

Last Season vs. MIN: 1-0-0

Last Meeting: 11/13/09, WAS 3 MIN 1

This Year:

WAS Record: 6-3-0

Standings Points: 12

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 4th      

Last Game: 10/27/10, WAS 3 CAR 0

Streak: Win 2

MIN Record: 3-3-2

Standings Points: 8

Division Rank: 4th

Conference Rank: 13th    

Last Game: 10/25/10, MIN 2 LA 3 (OT-SO)

Streak: Loss 2

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 85 PERREAULT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 14 FLEISCHMANN, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 10 BRADLEY, 39 STECKEL, 26 HENDRICKS

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 4 ERSKINE, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 27 ALZNER, 89 SLOAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 70 HOLTBY

Minnesota

Forward Line 1: 15 BRUNETTE, 9 KOIVU, 20 MIETTINEN

Forward Line 2: 48 LATENDRESSE, 7 CULLEN, 24 HAVLAT

Forward Line 3: 23 NYSTROM, 11 MADDEN, 22 CLUTTERBUCK

Forward Line 4: 12 KOBASEW, 21 BRODZIAK, 16 STAUBITZ

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 8 BURNS

Defense Pair 2: 5 ZANON, 3 ZIDLICKY

Defense Pair 3: 4 STONER, 41 FALK

Goalie: 32 BACKSTROM

Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Injuries:

Washington – 15 GORDON (undisclosed) IR, 1 VARLAMOV (groin) IR, 3 POTI (lower body) DTD, 90 JOHANSSON (hip flexor) DTD

Minnesota – 96 BOUCHARD (concussion) IR, 37 HARDING (knee) IR, 51 SHEPPARD (knee) IR

Caps Milestones:

Nicklas Backstrom needs 8 assists to reach 200 in his career.

Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:

After a 3-0 whitewash of the Carolina Hurricanes the Caps turn right around and face the Minnesota Wild on the second stop of their road trip. As a franchise, the Caps have not won a game in 5 tries at Minnesota. The team will look to duplicate their effort from last night where they played the most complete game of the season. They will need to keep up the defensive awareness and attach the offensive zone more to create turnovers and havoc in the Minnesota end of the rink. The Wild have had a tough start to the year but are starting put things together. I’m thinking this will be another low scoring affair with lots of up and down action. If the Caps get the early lead they will win this game. If they don’t it will be a dogfight.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 MIN 1

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Game #9 Recap: Caps 3 Hurricanes 0

The Capitals played their best game as a team so far this season. In a tight game against Carolina, the Caps were able to get the early goal and play hard nosed hockey for the win. Micheal Nuevirth, who has appeared in net for every game this season, stopped 29 shots for his NHL shutout. The young goal tender was exceptional all night long, especially with a glove save on a one-timer from Canes' star Eric Staal in the second period. The Caps were much more focused on the forecheck and the first goal resulted from that applied pressure. Matt Hendricks stashed the eventual game-winner off a nice pass from David Steckel. Steckel had tangled with the Canes goalie following a point shot from John Erskine. The ref ruled there was no interference since the goalie was outside of the crease area. The Caps looked like a different team once they got the lead. You could see the confidence grow as the game went on. Now they must turn around quickly as they head to Minnesota to take on the Wild tonight.

Of Note:

• Michael Nuevirth Was the #1 star of the game with his first career shutout. He became the 23rd goalie in Capitals history to record a shutout.
• The Caps killed off all 5 Carolina power plays. The team has killed 36 of the 40 power plays they have faced this season.
• Nicklas Backstrom put the icing on the cake with 2 goals in the third period. The first was a put back of a Mike Knuble shot shot from the wing and the second was an empty net, shorthanded goal. It was the first shorty in Backstrom's career.
• The Caps dominated the face-off dot winning 41 of 59 draws. David Steckel led the way winning 13 and losing 4.
• Jeff Schultz was +2.
• Matt Bradley and Mike Green returned to the active lineup. Green was on power play duty only last game. Bradley led the Caps with 5 hits and Green led the team with 3 blocked shots.

Official Recap
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Event Summary

Game #9 Preview: Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes

Where: RBC Center, Raleigh, NC

When:  October 27, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 4-7-0-1

Caps Game 9 Record: 15-16-3-1

All-Time vs. CAR: 36-23-7-5

All-Time at CAR: 15-12-5-4

Last Season vs. CAR: 3-1-2

Last Meeting: 3/25/10, WAS 2 CAR 3 (OT-SO)

This Year:

WAS Record: 5-3-0

Standings Points: 10

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th      

Last Game: 10/23/10, WAS 4 ATL 3 (OT)

Streak: Win 1

CAR Record: 4-3-0

Standings Points: 8

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 9th    

Last Game: 10/23/10, CAR 4 PHO 3 (OT)

Streak: Win 1

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 14 FLEISCHMANN, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 17 KING, 39 STECKEL, 26 HENDRICKS

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 3 POTI

Defense Pair 2: 4 ERSKINE, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 27 ALZNER, 89 SLOAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie:

Carolina

Forward Line 1: 59 LAROSE, 12 STAAL, 36 JOKINEN

Forward Line 2: 14 SAMSONOV, 16 SUTTER, 15 RUUTU

Forward Line 3: 26 COLE, 53 SKINNER, 39 DWYER

Forward Line 4: 22 DALPE, 21 BOWMAN, 29 KOSTOPOULOS

Defense Pair 1: 25 PITKANEN, 77 CORVO

Defense Pair 2: 6 GLEASON, 4 MCBAIN

Defense Pair 3: 33 BABCHUK, 44 HARRISON

Goalie: 30 WARD

Back-up Goalie: 60 PETERS

Injuries:

Washington – 10 BRADLEY (lower body) DTD, 15 GORDON (undisclosed) DTD, 52 GREEN (upper body) DTD, 1 VARLAMOV (lower body) DTD, 3 POTI (lower body) DTD

Carolina – None

Caps Milestones:

Nicklas Backstrom needs 8 assists to reach 200 in his career.

Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:

The Capitals break out the white jerseys for the first extended road trip of the season. The first stop is the home opener for the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes started the season in Europe and have been on the road ever since. The Capitals will most likely start Michael Nuevirth in goal tonight with young Braden Holtby backing him up. Semyon Varlamov is, once again, on the injured list. However, he is not alone as Matt Bradley, Tom Poti, Mike Green, and Boyd Gordon are also on that list. Several other Caps are nicked up as well forcing the team to recall Mathieu Perreault and Brian Fahey from Hershey. Tonight’s game will be a big test for the team. The first line has not been clicking so far this season and they need to get on track. Look for the Capitals to simplify their system and put a heavy forecheck on the Carolina defense. It should be another physical battle between the two teams, who have a healthy dislike for each other. I think the Caps will play a tough disciplined game and come away with a close victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 CAR 3

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Game #8 Recap: Capitals 4 Thrashers 3 (OT)

It took overtime but the Capitals found a way to pull out the victory. After recalling two forwards and a goalie from Hershey, the team was still short handed as Mike Green made his return but he only played when the Caps had the man advantage. With a 5-man defensive rotation, the Caps were out shot in the early going 21-6. Michael Nuevirth was back in the net and was doing his thing. Nuevirth stopped 29 of 32 shots on the night including several odd man breakaways. This included getting run over by 260 pound Dustin Byfuglien on a partial break. John Erskine came to the rescue and in the aftermath Byfuglien was ejected and given a major charging penalty while Erskine had to sit 2-minutes for roughing. The story of the night for the Capitals was the play of the second line. Alexander Semin had a natural hat trick and Mathieu Perreault, making his season debut, had two assists. The line played inspired hockey all night. In the overtime period the Caps took control as they out shot Atlanta 6-0. The game winner came from Tomas Fleischmann who backhanded the rebound of Eric Fehr's wicked wrist shot.

Of Note:

• Prior to the game Mathieu Perreault, Jay Beagel, and Dany Sabourin were recalled from Hershey due to injuries to Marcus Johansson, Boyd Gordon and Seymon Varlamov.
• Alexander Semin recorded the 4th hat trick of his career. He scored on a slap shot, wrist shot and a backhander.
• Alex Ovechkin recorded 6 shots on goal giving him 2,200 in his career. He is already 3rd on the Capitals All-Time shots on goal list behind Mike Gartner and Peter Bondra. His big contribution last night was his physical play. He delivered 9 hits including 3 devastating body checks that definitely left a mark.
• Brooks Laich played in his 400th game as a Capital. He was +2 on the night with 6 shots on goal, 2 hits and he went 5-0 in the face-off dot.
• The Capitals, as a team, were much better on face-offs winning 41 of 61 draws.
• The team leaves on its first extended road trip starting Wednesday in Carolina.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game #8 Preview: Washington Capital vs. Atlanta Thrashers

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  October 23, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 5-8-4-0

Caps Game 8 Record: 13-17-5-0

All-Time vs. ATL: 34-18-5-5

All-Time home vs. ATL: 20-7-3-1

Last Season vs. ATL: 6-0-0

Last Meeting: 10/8/10, WAS 2 ATL 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 4-3-0

Standings Points: 8

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 6th      

Last Game: 10/21/10, WAS 1 BOS 4

Streak: Loss 2

ATL Record: 3-4-0

Standings Points: 6

Division Rank: 4th

Conference Rank: 9th    

Last Game: 10/22/10, ATL 2 TAM 5

Streak: Loss 2

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 14 FLEISCHMANN, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 17 KING, 39 STECKEL, 26 HENDRICKS

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 3 POTI

Defense Pair 2: 4 ERSKINE, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 27 ALZNER, 89 SLOAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Atlanta

Forward Line 1: 9 KANE, 49 BURMISTROV, 27 THORBURN

Forward Line 2: 21 EAGER, 80 ANTROPOV, 47 PEVERLEY

Forward Line 3: 16 LADD, 10 LITTLE, 22 STEWART

Forward Line 4: 19 MODIN, 23 SLATER, 36 BOULTON

Defense Pair 1: 33 BYFUGLIEN, 39 ENSTROM

Defense Pair 2: 24 MEYER, 29 ODUYA

Defense Pair 3: 6 HAINSEY, 3 SOPEL

Goalie: 50 MASON

Back-up Goalie: 34 MANNINO

Injuries:

Washington – 10 BRADLEY (lower body) DTD, 15 GORDON (undisclosed) DTD, 52 GREEN (upper body) DTD

Atlanta – 31 PAVELEC (concussion) IR, 4 BOGOSIAN (undisclosed) DTD

Caps Milestones:

Nicklas Backstrom needs 8 assists to reach 200 in his career.

Brooks Laich will play his 400^th game as a Capital.

Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Alex Ovechkin 6 shots on goal to reach

Preview:

After dropping two consecutive games to the Boston Bruins, the Capitals will try to rebound tonight at home versus the Atlanta Thrashers. The Caps lost the season opener in Atlanta earlier this month and have to put on a better effort to beat the Thrasher tonight. The team has gotten away from its systems and everyone is trying to win as individuals. This doesn’t work in the NHL. Look for the team to get back to its base game of getting the puck in deep with an aggressive forecheck to force the defense into mistakes its own end. Also the special teams play was disastrous in the last game, so look for a more direct approach on the power play. I think the Capitals will put in a very workman like effort and get back in the winning column.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 ATL 1

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 Reebok Washington Capitals Center Ice Call Sign T-Shirt

Game #7 Recap: Caps 1 Bruins 4

The Washington Capitals penalty killers were finally solved and in a big way. The Caps gave up 3 power play goals in route to a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. In the game the Capitals put 39 shots on Tim Thomas who allowed only 1 goal against for the second game in a row versus Washington. Jason Chimera scored the Caps lone goal after intercepting a pass from the Boston goalie and beating him to the goal. The Capitals power play continued to struggle going 0 for 4 on the night. In his first start on the season Semyon Varlamov stopped 30 of 34 shots. The Capitals next face the Atlanta Thrasher at home on Saturday.

Of Note:

• Brooks Laich played in his 400th career NHL game. Laich had 4 shot on goal, 2 hits, 1 takeaway, and won 6 of 10 face-offs.
• Alex Ovechkin had another tough night against the Bruins. He put 8 shots on goal, had 5 shots blocked and missed the net on 2 others. He had a negative +/- rating for the third straight game.
• The team was improved in the face-off dot winning  29 of 52 draws.
• Rookie Marcus Johansson had a solid effort with 1 shot on goal, 1 hit, 1 takeaway and won 5 of the 9 draws he took.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Reebok Washington Capitals 2011 Winter Classic Nicklas Backstrom Premier Jersey

Game #7 Preview: Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

When:  October 21, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 1-9-3-0

Caps Game 7 Record: 10-20-5-0

All-Time vs. BOS: 41-62-21-8

All-Time at BOS: 19-34-9-4

Last Season vs. BOS: 3-0-1

Last Meeting: 10/19/10, WAS 1 BOS 3

This Year:

WAS Record: 4-2-0

Standings Points: 8

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 4th      

Last Game: 10/19/10, WAS 1 BOS 3

Streak: Loss 1

BOS Record: 3-1-0

Standings Points: 6

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 7th    

Last Game: 10/19/10, BOS 3 WAS 1

Streak: Win 3

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 14 FLEISCHMANN, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 17 KING, 26 HENDRICKS, 39 STECKEL

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 3 POTI

Defense Pair 3: 89 SLOAN, 4 ERSKINE

Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Back-up Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Boston

Forward Line 1: 17 LUCIC, 46 KREJCI, 18 HORTON

Forward Line 2: 22 THORNTON, 11 CAMPBELL, 28 RECCHI

Forward Line 3: 20 PAILLE, 37 BERGERON, 73 RYDER

Forward Line 4: 19 SEGUIN, 63 MARCHAND, 26 WHEELER

Defense Pair 1: 44 SEIDENBERG, 33 CHARA

Defense Pair 2: 45 STUART, 55 BOYCHUK

Defense Pair 3: 21 FERENCE, 48 HUNWICK

Goalie: 30 THOMAS

Back-up Goalie: 40 RASK

Injuries:

Washington –10 BRADLEY (lower body) DTD, 52 GREEN (upper body) DTD

BOS – 9 SAVARD (concussion) IR, 42 WHITFIELD (Achilles) IR, 16 STURM (knee) IR

Caps Milestones:

Nicklas Backstrom needs 8 assists to reach 200 in his career.

Brooks Laich will play his 400^th career game.

Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:

In the second game of a home and home series the Capitals will try to avenge the 3-1 home loss they suffered on Wednesday. The team had a good start to the game but goalie Michael Nuevirth had to leave midway through the first period due to the flu. Semyon Varlamov will most likely get his first start of the season in net for the Caps. Look for the team to get more traffic in the front of the Boston net. They got 36 shots on goal Wednesday but were only able to get 1 goal. The key for the Caps is to get in on the forecheck and disrupt the Boston defense. This should be another exciting game with lots of physical play. I think the Caps bounce back for the win but it will be close.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 BOS 2

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