Game #41 Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: January 6, 2009 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 5-6-1-0
Caps Game 41 Record: 9-14-9-1
All-Time vs. PHI: 64-93-19-0
All-Time home vs. PHI: 36-37-13-0
Last Season vs. PHI: 2-2-0
Last Meeting: 12/20/08, WAS 1 PHI 7

This Year:
WAS Record: 26-11-3
Standings Points: 55
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Last Game: 1/3/09, WAS 2 NYR 1
Streak: Win 6

PHI Record: 21-10-8
Standings Points: 50
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 5th
Last Game: 1/3/09, PHI 1 LA 2 (OT-SO)
Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 92 NYLANDER, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 3: 16 FEHR, 39 STECKEL, 17 CLARK
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 27 ALZNER
Defense Pair 3: 62 COLLINS, 55 SCHULTZ
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Philadelphia
Forward Line 1: 12 GAGNE, 18 RICHARDS, 22 KNUBLE
Forward Line 2: 19 HARTNELL, 17 CARTER, 9 UPSHALL
Forward Line 3: 14 NODL, 13 METROPOLIT, 45 ASHAM
Forward Line 4: 32 COTE, 24 GRATTON, 47 SBISA
Defense Pair 1: 25 CARLE, 6 JONES
Defense Pair 2: 23 VAANANEN, 44 TIMONEN
Defense Pair 3: 5 COBURN, 41 ALBERTS
Goalie: 43 BIRON
Back-up Goalie: 49 MUNROE

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (concussion) DTD, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 14 FLEISCHMANN (illness) DTD

Philadelphia – 48 BRIERE (GROIN) IR, 61 BEAULIEU (undisclosed) IR, 77 PARENT (torn labrum) IR, 2 HATCHER (knee) IR, 4 RATHJE (BACK) IR, 30 NITTYMAKI (groin) DTD, 36 POWE (hip) DTD, 24 GRATTON (abdominal pull) DTD, 46 KALINSKI (leg) DTD, 12 GAGNE (upper body) DTD, 15 LUPUL (undisclosed) DTD, 28 GIROUX (head) DTD, 45 ASHAM (knee) DTD

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 3 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.
Viktor Kozlov needs 6 goals to reach 200 in his career.
Alex Ovechkin needs 10 goals to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:
The Capitals are red hot, winning 11 of their last 12 games, but they face the team that gave them the 1 loss in that stretch. The Philadelphia Flyer pounded the Caps 7-1 back on December 20th and that didn’t sit too well with the team. To say that these two teams dislike each other would be an understatement to say the least. The Caps were quite put off in the last game as Philly, with a 7-1 lead, had their #1 power play on the ice in the final minutes of the third period trying to pile on the score. Look for this game to be ultra-physical as both teams try to send a message. Watch for the rematch between Donald Brashear and Riley Cote as Brashear pummeled Cote twice in Philly. This will be a very closely contested game but I think the difference will be the Caps 3rd and 4th line play. This will be fun.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 PHI 3

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Game #40 New York Rangers at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: January 3, 2009 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 5-9-2-0
Caps Game 40 Record: 13-16-3-1
All-Time vs. NYR: 84-74-18-4
All-Time home vs. NYR: 48-31-9-3
Last Season vs. NYR: 2-2-0
Last Meeting: 12/23/08, WAS 5 NYR 4 (OT)

This Year:
WAS Record: 25-11-3
Standings Points: 53
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Last Game: 1/1/09, WAS 7 TAM 4
Streak: Win 5

NYR Record: 23-13-3
Standings Points: 49
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Last Game: 12/28/08, NYR 5 NYI 4
Streak: Win 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 33 GIROUX, 92 NYLANDER, 17 CLARK
Forward Line 3: 39 STECKEL, 21 LAICH, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 27 ALZNER
Defense Pair 3: 62 COLLINS, 26 MORRISONN
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Rangers
Forward Line 1: 91 NASLUND, 19 GOMEZ, 29 KORPIKOSKI
Forward Line 2: 25 PRUCHA, 17 DUBINSKY, 13 ZHERDEV
Forward Line 3: 10 DAWES, 23 DRURY, 24 CALLAHAN
Forward Line 4: 20 SJOSTROM, 15 BETTS, 28 ORR
Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 3 ROZSIVAL
Defense Pair 2: 5 GIRARDI, 6 REDDEN
Defense Pair 3: 27 MARA, 45 KALININ
Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST
Back-up Goalie: 40 VALIQUETTE

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (concussion) DTD, 28 SEMIN (back) DTD, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 14 FLEISCHMANN (illness) DTD

Rangers – none

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 4 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.
Viktor Kozlov needs 6 goals to reach 200 in his career.
Alex Ovechkin needs 11 goals to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:
The New York Rangers come to town with a lot of motivation. This is the first meeting with the Caps since they blew a 4-0 lead to lose just before Christmas. New York were also dropped to second place in their division this season as Philly took control of the top spot in the Atlantic Division. However, the Caps have been unbelievable at home this season with a 16-1-1 record. Look for an incredibly physical game as the Ranger try to get a little payback against the Caps. Good news for the Caps as Donald Brashear will return to the lineup. Watch for the Capitals secondary scorers as I think they will be the key. They contributed big time against Tampa. This should be a fun one to watch.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 NYR 3

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Game #39 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: January 1, 2009 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 13-6-3-1
Caps Game 39 Record: 14-13-5-1
All-Time vs. TAM: 49-24-6-4
All-Time home vs. TAM: 26-10-4-2
Last Season vs. TAM: 6-2-0
Last Meeting: 11/10/08, WAS 4 TAM 2

This Year:
WAS Record: 24-11-3
Standings Points: 51
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Last Game: 12/30/08, WAS 4 BUF 2
Streak: Win 4

TAM Record: 10-16-10
Standings Points: 30
Division Rank: 4th
Conference Rank: 13th
Last Game: 12/30/08, TAM 1 MON 2 (OT-SO)
Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 33 GIROUX, 92 NYLANDER, 17 CLARK
Forward Line 3: 39 STECKEL, 21 LAICH, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 27 ALZNER
Defense Pair 3: 62 COLLINS, 26 MORRISONN
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Tampa
Forward Line 1: 12 MALONE, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS
Forward Line 2: 24 PETTINGER, 38 SZCZECHURA, 8 RECCHI
Forward Line 3: 20 PROSPAL, 11 HALPERN, 76 ARTYUKHIN
Forward Line 4: 36 JOKINEN, 91 STAMKOS, 18 HALL
Defense Pair 1: 14 MESZAROS, 54 RANGER
Defense Pair 2: 44 EMINGER, 22 MALIK
Defense Pair 3: 2 KRAJICEK, SMABY
Goalie: 41 SMITH
Back-up Goalie: 37 KOLZIG

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (concussion) DTD, 28 SEMIN (back) DTD, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 14 FLEISCHMANN (illness) DTD

Tampa – 33 KOCI (broken hand) IR, 10 ROBERTS (lower body) IR

Caps Milestones:
Mike Green will play in his 200th career NHL game.
Brooks Laich needs 1 points to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 6 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.
Viktor Kozlov needs 6 goals to reach 200 in his career.
Alex Ovechkin needs 12 goals to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:
The Capitals have won 4 in a row and 9 of their last 10 games but needs to be weary of a Tampa team that visits the Phone Booth for New Year’s. Tampa is on a roll of their own winning 3 of their last 4. Tampa is looking like Washington South with former Capitals Jeff Halpern, Matt Pettinger, Steve Eminger, Jamie Heward and Olie Kolzig in the lineup. The Caps must maintain focus and give the Bolts the same Washington welcome we’ve grown accustom to seeing this season. The Caps are 15-1-1 at home this season. Look for a physical game as the Blots try to mirror the toughness of Head Coach Rick Tocchet. Watch Matt Bradley and David Steckel who both have career highs in points against Tampa. If the Caps play true to form, I think they win going away.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 TAM 1

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Game #38 Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres

Where: HSBC Center, Buffalo, NY

When: December 30, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 6-6-5-0
Caps Game 38 Record: 14-15-3-1
All-Time vs. BUF: 34-76-15-1
All-Time at BUF: 17-40-6-0
Last Season vs. BUF: 1-3-0
Last Meeting: 12/26/08, WAS 3 BUF 2

This Year:
WAS Record: 23-11-3
Standings Points: 49
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Last Game: 12/28/08, WAS 4 TOR 1
Streak: Win 3

BUF Record: 17-14-5
Standings Points: 39
Division Rank: 3rd
Conference Rank: 8th
Last Game: 12/27/08, BUF 4 NYI 3
Streak: Win 1

Game 1: 11/01/08, WAS 0 BUF 5
Game 2: 12/26/08, WAS 3 BUF 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 33 GIROUX, 92 NYLANDER, 17 CLARK
Forward Line 3: 39 STECKEL, 21 LAICH, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 27 ALZNER
Defense Pair 3: 62 COLLINS, 26 MORRISONN
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Buffalo
Forward Line 1: 26 VANEK, 9 ROY, 21 STAFFORD
Forward Line 2: 41 MACARTHUR, 55 HECHT, 29 POMINVILLE
Forward Line 3: 20 PAILLE, 22 MAIR, 12 KOTALIK
Forward Line 4: 76 PETERS, 37 ELLIS, 61 AFINOGENOV
Defense Pair 1: 6 SEKARA, 44 SPACEK
Defense Pair 2: 5 LYDMAN, 10 TALLINDER
Defense Pair 3: 27 NUMMINEN, 34 BUTLER
Goalie: 30 MILLER
Back-up Goalie: 40 LALIME

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (concussion) DTD, 28 SEMIN (back) DTD, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 14 FLEISCHMANN (illness) DTD

Buffalo – 52 RIVET (shoulder) IR, 42 GERBE (upper body) IR, 15 CONNOLLY (ribs) IR, 28 GAUSTAD (mouth) DTD

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 2 points to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 7 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 2 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Viktor Kozlov needs 6 goals to reach 200 in his career.
Alex Ovechkin needs 12 goals to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:
The team heads to Buffalo to face the Sabres with a very different look from when the two teams met 2 games ago. With Mike Green and Jeff Schultz back in the lineup the back line goes from 4 Hershey call ups to only 2. Of course, you must acknowledge how well the players called up have performed since the Caps starters started dropping like flies. After the Minnesota game on Nov. 24 to now, the Caps made 20 recalls (that I can count) from Hershey and went 12-4-0 over that span, pretty impressive. Granted the Caps have not been fielding the team they would like but learning curve has been relatively short and they have been getting the job done. Tonight’s match is one that gives me a bit of concern. The Caps are playing decent hockey and just beat the same Buffalo team on Friday. However, the Caps have suffered big time playing at Buffalo in their history, winning only 17 of 63 meetings, the latest a 5-0 loss back on Nov. 1. Look for the Caps to play an aggressive game and put the body to the smaller, speedier buffalo forwards. They need to wear these guys down throughout the game. The Caps need to get some offense early and keep sustained pressure on the Sabres. Watch the Caps top line tonight, Alex Ovechkin didn’t get the NHL’s 1st Star of the Week for nothing.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 BUF 3

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Game #36 Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: December 26, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 9-12-3-0
Caps Game 36 Record: 14-13-5-1
All-Time vs. BUF: 33-76-15-1
All-Time home vs. BUF: 16-36-9-1
Last Season vs. BUF: 1-3-0
Last Meeting: 11/1/08, WAS 0 BUF 5

This Year:
WAS Record: 21-11-3
Standings Points: 45
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/23/08, WAS 5 NYR 4 (OT)
Streak: Win 1

BUF Record: 16-13-5
Standings Points: 37
Division Rank: 3rd
Conference Rank: 8th
Last Game: 12/22/08, BUF 3 PIT 4 (OT)
Streak: Loss 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 33 GIROUX, 92 NYLANDER, 63 A. GORDON
Forward Line 3: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 21 LAICH, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 4: 39 STECKEL, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: 62 COLLINS, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 23 JURCINA, 27 ALZNER
Defense Pair 3: 89 SLOAN, 43 HELMER
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV

Buffalo
Forward Line 1: 41 MACARTHUR, 9 ROY, 21 STAFFORD
Forward Line 2: 26 VANEK, 55 HECHT, 29 POMINVILLE
Forward Line 3: 20 PAILLE, 22 MAIR, 12 KOTALIK
Forward Line 4: 76 PETERS, 37 ELLIS, 61 AFINOGENOV
Defense Pair 1: 6 SEKARA, 44 SPACEK
Defense Pair 2: 5 LYDMAN, 10 TALLINDER
Defense Pair 3: 27 NUMMINEN, 34 BUTLER
Goalie: 30 MILLER
Back-up Goalie: 40 LALIME

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 28 SEMIN (back) DTD, 52 GREEN (shoulder) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (leg) DTD, 1 JOHNSON (illness) DTD, 3 POTI (groin) DTD
Rangers – 52 RIVET (shoulder) IR, 42 GERBE (upper body) IR, 15 CONNOLLY (ribs) IR, 28 GAUSTAD (mouth) DTD, 36 KALETA (head/neck) DTD

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 4 points to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 9 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.

Preview:
The Caps head right back into the fire after the 2-day Christmas break with a game against Buffalo. The Caps hope to build upon the 5 goal come from behind effort on Tuesday in New York. Traditionally, the Sabres have given the Capitals very tough games including a 5-0 whitewashing earlier this season. The Caps are still without half their regular lineup but have managed to go 8-2-0 in their last 10 games. In this game look for the Caps top line to try and take control early. The Caps defense tightened up well after giving up 4 goals to the Rangers so watch for them to continue to work as 5-man units to keep the scoring chances down. I am expecting another high scoring affair but the Caps have proved they are a force at home so I am looking for a Washington victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 6 BUF 4

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Game #35 Washington Capitals at New York Rangers

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When: December 23, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 11-6-4-0
Caps Game 35 Record: 15-13-5-0
All-Time vs. NYR: 83-74-18-4
All-Time at NYR: 35-43-9-1
Last Season vs. NYR: 2-2-0
Last Meeting: 11/10/08, WAS 3 NYR 1

This Year:
WAS Record: 20-11-3
Standings Points: 43
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/20/08, WAS 1 PHI 7
Streak: Loss 1

NYR Record: 22-12-2
Standings Points: 43
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 2nd
Last Game: 12/20/08, NYR 2 SAN 3
Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: ???, ???, 33 GIROUX
Defense Pair 1: ???, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 63 COLLINS, ???
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 27 ALZNER
Goalie: 1 JOHNSON
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Rangers
Forward Line 1: 91 NASLUND, 19 GOMEZ, 13 ZHERDEV
Forward Line 2: 10 DAWES, 23 DRURY, 24 CALLAHAN
Forward Line 3: 25 PRUCHA, 17 DUBINSKY, 20 SJOSTROM,
Forward Line 4: 34 VOROS, 49 FRITSCHE, 28 ORR
Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 3 ROZSIVAL
Defense Pair 2: 5 GIRARDI, 6 REDDEN
Defense Pair 3: 27 MARA, 45 KALININ
Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST
Back-up Goalie: 40 VALIQUETTE

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 89 SLOAN (foot) DTD, (shoulder) DTD, 28 SEMIN (back) DTD, 52 GREEN (shoulder) DTD, 87 BRASHEAR (leg) DTD, 39 STECKEL (cold) DTD, 3 POTI (groin) DTD
Rangers – none

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 5 points to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 9 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.

Preview:
After a humbling loss in Philly and the loss of possibly 4 more regulars to injury, the Caps head to New York to face the Rangers. The question will be who will be in the lineup for the Caps if all the players on the injured list are unable to play. Calls may be going out to Hershey to fill the holes but as to whom we will have to wait and see. To compensate the veterans will have to step up for the Caps. Look for the top line of Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kozlov to pick up the slack and provide enough offense to help out the young defense corps. Watch the shot totals and if the Caps are near the Rangers they should be in good shape. I think the youth movement will push them to a victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 NYR 2

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Game #34 Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers

Where: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA

When: December 20, 2008, 1:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 5-4-4-0
Caps Game 34 Record: 11-16-4-2
All-Time vs. PHI: 64-92-19-0
All-Time at PHI: 28-55-6-0
Last Season vs. PHI: 2-2-0
Last Meeting: 4/22/08, WAS 2 PHI 3 (OT)

This Year:
WAS Record: 20-10-3
Standings Points: 43
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/18/08, WAS 4 STL 2
Streak: Win 5

PHI Record: 17-8-6
Standings Points: 40
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 4th
Last Game: 12/18/08, PHI 2 MON 5
Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY,
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 33 GIROUX
Defense Pair 1: 52 GREEN, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 63 COLLINS, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 1 JOHNSON
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Philadelphia
Forward Line 1: 19 HARTNELL, 17 CARTER, 22 KNUBLE
Forward Line 2: 12 GAGNE, 18 RICHARDS, 45 ASHAM
Forward Line 3: 32 COTE, 13 METROPOLIT, 9 UPSHALL
Forward Line 4: 14 NODL, 36 POWE, 15 LUPUL
Defense Pair 1: 25 CARLE, 5 COBURN
Defense Pair 2: 23 VAANANEN, 44 TIMONEN
Defense Pair 3: 47 SBISA, 41 ALBERTS
Goalie: 43 BIRON
Back-up Goalie: 30 NITTYMAKI

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 89 SLOAN (foot) DTD, (shoulder) DTD, 28 SEMIN (back) DTD
Philadelphia – 48 BRIERE (GROIN) IR, 61 BEAULIEU (undisclosed) IR, 77 PARENT (torn labrum) IR, 2 HATCHER (knee) IR, 4 RATHJE (BACK) IR

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 9 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 10 points to reach 300 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.

Preview:
For the first time since the seventh game of the first round of last season’s playoffs the Capitals will meet the Flyers. Both teams are on a roll as of late and this game is shaping up to be a good one. The Caps are still banged up and may be without Alexander Semin who took a cross check to the back in the game on Thursday. Look for there to be lots of hitting with Alex Ovechkin leading the way. He is tied for the 2nd most hits in the NHL this season with 112 in 31 games. Watch the secondary scoring as that will most likely be the difference maker in this one. I’m thinking Brooks Laich may hit the score sheet. I expect a hard hitting and extremely fast paced game with quite a bit of scoring.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 PHI 3

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Game #33 St. Louis Blues at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: December 18, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 7-6-1-0
Caps Game 33 Record: 17-10-6-0
All-Time vs. STL: 34-36-12-0
All-Time home vs. STL: 21-14-4-0
Last Season vs. STL: 0-1-0
Last Meeting: 10/27/07, WAS 3 STL 4

This Year:
WAS Record: 19-10-3
Standings Points: 41
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/16/08, WAS 5 NYI 4 (OT)
Streak: Win 4

STL Record: 12-15-3
Standings Points: 27
Division Rank: 5th
Conference Rank: 15th
Last Game: 12/16/08, STL 3 CAL 6
Streak: Loss 4

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 39 STECKEL, 33 GIROUX
Defense Pair 1: 52 GREEN, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 63 COLLINS, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 1 JOHNSON
Back-up Goalie: 40 VAMARLOV

St. Louis
Forward Line 1: 42 BACKES, 7 TKACHUK, 22 BOYES
Forward Line 2: 57 PERRON, 21 BERGLUND, 15 WINCHESTER
Forward Line 3: 20 STEEN, 18 MCCLEMENT, 26 CROMBEEN
Forward Line 4: 55 JANSSEN, 25 STASTNY, 13 HINOTE
Defense Pair 1: 5 JACKMAN, 46 POLAK
Defense Pair 2: 28 COLAIACOVO, 29 WOYWITKA
Defense Pair 3: 43 WEAVER, 53 JUNLAND
Goalie: 50 MASON
Back-up Goalie: 30 BISHOP

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 89 SLOAN (foot) DTD, 16 FEHR (shoulder) DTD, 60 THEODORE (hip flexor) DTD
St. Louis – 34 LEGACE (concussion) IR, 4 BREWER (upper body) IR, 6 JOHNSON (torn ACL) IR, 77 MCKEE (fractured finger) IR, 10 MCDONALD (broken leg) IR, 74 OSHIE (ankle) IR, 9 KARIYA (lower body) IR, 19 KING (shoulder) IR

Caps Milestones:
Brooks Laich needs 6 points to reach 100 in his career.
Mike Green needs 9 points to reach 100 in his career.
Tom Poti needs 10 points to reach 300 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.

Preview:
In Tuesday’s game, the Caps thought they had won the game in the second period. Hopefully they learned that even when playing teams that are not as talented they still need to work for every victory. Tonight’s game is with the last place team in the Western Conference but St. Louis has beaten the likes of Minnesota, Phoenix and Nashville all teams that gave the Capitals trouble this season. While I expect a victory, playing the Blues is not like going on a windy walk. Look for the Caps to work extremely hard and the power play to be more direct. Also, watch for the second line to generate some points. I think this will be very physical and a good win for the team.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 STL 3

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Game #32 Washington Capitals at New York Islanders

Where: Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, NY

When: December 16, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:

Caps Record on this Date: 6-3-3-0

Caps Game 32 Record: 16-15-2-0

All-Time vs. NYI: 81-79-13-2

All-Time at NYI: 38-46-2-1

Last Season vs. NYI: 1-2-2

Last Meeting: 12/4/08, WAS 5 NYI 2

This Year:

WAS Record: 18-10-3

Standings Points: 39

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 3rd

Last Game: 12/13/08, WAS 2 MON 1

Streak: Win 3

NYI Record: 10-18-2

Standings Points: 22

Division Rank: 5th

Conference Rank: 14th

Last Game: 12/8/08, BOS 5 TAM 3

Streak: Loss 6

Probable Line-Ups:

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 2: 33 GIROUX, 92 NYLANDER, 25 KOZLOV

Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 52 GREEN, 26 MORRISONN

Defense Pair 2: 3 POTI, 89 SLOAN

Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER

Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Back-up Goalie: 40 VARLAMOV

Islanders

Forward Line 1: 20 BERGENHEIM, 93 WEIGHT, 13 GUERIN

Forward Line 2: 11 HILBERT, 12 BAILEY, 7 HUNTER

Forward Line 3: 15 TAMBELLINI, 10 PARK, 16 SIM

Forward Line 4: 49 FRITZ, 18 SILLINGER, 28 JACKMAN

Defense Pair 1: 14 CAMPOLI, 2 STREIT

Defense Pair 2: 25 SUTTON, 44 MEYER

Defense Pair 3: 32 WITT, 17 POCK

Goalie: 25 MACDONALD

Back-up Goalie: 34 DANIS

Injuries:

Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 16 FEHR (shoulder) DTD, 14 FLEISCHMANN (lower body) DTD, 60 THEODORE (hip flexor) DTD

Islanders – 39 DIPETRO (knee) IR, 8 GERVAIS (leg) DTD, 24 MARTINEK (shoulder) DTD, 89 COMRIE (hip) IR, 51 NIELSON (leg) IR, 21 OKPOSO (arm) IR

Caps Milestones:

Brooks Laich needs 7 points to reach 100 in his career.

Shaone Morrisonn needs 2 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:

The Capitals are coming off a big win in Montreal and head to Long Island to take on the Islanders. For the Caps the victory came with another big price as they lost Sergei Fedorov with a reoccurrence of his ankle injury. The Caps are still thin on defense and have kept rookie Sean Collins with the team as a precaution. The goaltending situation is still on end with Jose Theodore nursing a hip flexor injury. For now Simeon Varlamov will serve as Brent Johnson’s backup. The Islanders are in a tailspin having lost 5 consecutive games including the Dec. 2^nd game at Verizon Center. However, the Caps cannot afford to take them lightly. Look for the team to try and get out to a fast start and take the heart out of the Islanders. Watch for the number one line as Alexander Semin’s return should take some of the defensive pressure off of Alex Ovechkin. I think the Caps will be too much in this one.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 6 NYI 2

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Game #29 Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: December 10, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 5-6-3-0
Caps Game 29 Record: 17-12-4-0
All-Time vs. BOS: 35-61-21-6
All-Time home vs. BOS: 19-27-12-3
Last Season vs. BOS: 2-2-0
Last Meeting: 3/16/08, WAS 2 BOS 1 (OT-SO)

This Year:
WAS Record: 15-10-3
Standings Points: 33
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/7/08, WAS 1 CAR 3
Streak: Loss 1

BOS Record: 19-4-4
Standings Points: 42
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 1st
Last Game: 12/8/08, BOS 5 TAM 3
Streak: Win 5

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 92 NYLANDER
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 20 AUCOIN, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: ???, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 62 COLLINS, 43 HELMER
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 1 JOHNSON
Back-up Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Boston
Forward Line 1: 17 LUCIC, 91 SAVARD, 81 KESSEL
Forward Line 2: 11 AXELSSON, 46 KREJCI, 12 KOBASEW
Forward Line 3: 22 THORNTON, 37 BERGERON, 73 RYDER
Forward Line 4: 16 STURM, 29 NOKELAINEN, 26 WHEELER
Defense Pair 1: 6 WIDEMAN, 33 CHARA
Defense Pair 2: 34 HNIDY, 48 HUNWICK
Defense Pair 3: 44 WARD, 45 STUART
Goalie: 30 THOMAS
Back-up Goalie: 35 FERNANDEZ

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 28 SEMIN (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (shoulder) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 89 SLOAN (foot) DTD, 16 FEHR (shoulder) DTD
Boston – 21 FERENCE (broken leg) IR

Caps Milestones:
Matt Bradley needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Nicklas Backstrom needs 6 points to reach 100 in his career.
Brooks Laich needs 8 points to reach 100 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Shaone Morrisonn needs 2 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:
The good news for the Caps is that they are playing at home where they have amassed a 10-1-1 record. The bad news is they are taking on the Eastern Conference leading Boston Bruins and still have not had any returns from the injured reserved ranks. However, that may be changing as defensemen Sami Lepisto was sent down to Hershey on Monday. We do not know who will be replacing Lepisto but Tyler Sloan, Mike Green and Tom Poti are good candidates. Slone is probably the healthiest of the three. The Caps will need a big effort from the blue line as only Detroit (95) and San Jose (102) have scored more goals than the Bruins (94). The forwards will have a tough job as well because Boston has only allowed 59 goals against. Only Minnesota (56) has allowed fewer. Look for the Capitals to try and shoot often on the Boston net. They will need some secondary scoring if they want to win this game. Boston will try and match up 6’-9”, perennial All-Star, Zdeno Chara on Alex Ovechkin and the first line. Watch the passing of the Capitals early on in this one. Crisp passing early will be a good sign for the Caps are on their game.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 BOS 3

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Game #28 Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes

Where: RBC Center, Raleigh, NC

When: December 7, 2008, 5:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 7-13-1-0
Caps Game 28 Record: 14-17-2-0
All-Time vs. CAR: 32-19-7-3
All-Time at CAR: 14-10-5-2
Last Season vs. CAR: 4-4-0
Last Meeting: 11/12/08, WAS 5 CAR 1

This Year:
WAS Record: 15-9-3
Standings Points: 33
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/6/08, WAS 2 TOR 1
Streak: Win 2

CAR Record: 12-12-3
Standings Points: 27
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 9th
Last Game: 12/6/08, TOR 3 PHO 6
Streak: Loss 3

Season Series:
Game 1: 11/6/08, WAS 3 CAR 2
Game 2: 11/12/08, WAS 5 CAR 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 92 NYLANDER
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 20 AUCOIN, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY
Defense Pair 1: 42 LEPISTO, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 89 SLOAN, 43 HELMER
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Carolina
Forward Line 1: 14 SAMSONOV, 12 STAAL, 24 WALKER
Forward Line 2: 15 RUUTU, 17 BRIND’AMOUR, 44 EAVES
Forward Line 3: 13 WHITNEY, 8 CULLEN, 38 CONBOY
Forward Line 4: 59 LAROSE, 16 SUTTER, 24 WILLIAMS
Defense Pair 1: 25 PITKANEN, 77 CORVO
Defense Pair 2: 5 KABERLE, 7 WALLIN
Defense Pair 3: 53 BORER, 33 BABCHUK
Goalie: 49 LEIGHTON
Back-up Goalie: 30 WARD

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 28 SEMIN (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (shoulder) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR, 89 SLOAN (foot) DTD, 16 FEHR (shoulder) DTD
Carolina – 4 SEIDENBERG (leg) IR, 30 WARD (groin) DTD, 6 GLEASON (leg) IR, 45 TANABE (concussion) IR

Caps Milestones:
Matt Bradley needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Nicklas Backstrom needs 7 points to reach 100 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Shaone Morrisonn needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:
This will be a tough game for the Caps. They played a game last night in Toronto and travel to Carolina to meet the Hurricanes in an early 5:00 game. The Caps may have also lost Eric Fehr who injured his shoulder against the Leafs. The Caps need to keep their energy up and stay out of the penalty box. The Canes recently replaced their head coach and will be looking to make a statement in tonight’s game. Look for a low scoring affair and hopefully the Caps can get out of this game with all their personnel intact.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 CAR 1

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Game #26 New York Islanders at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: December 4, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 7-8-1-0
Caps Game 26 Record: 14-16-3-0
All-Time vs. NYI: 80-79-13-2
All-Time home vs. NYI: 42-33-11-1
Last Season vs. NYI: 1-1-2
Last Meeting: 2/20/08, WAS 2 NYI 3 (OT-SO)

This Year:
WAS Record: 13-9-3
Standings Points: 29
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 12/2/08, WAS 3 FLA 5
Streak: Loss 2

NYI Record: 10-12-2
Standings Points: 22
Division Rank: 5th
Conference Rank: 13th
Last Game: 11/29/08, NYI 4 OTT 2
Streak: Loss 3

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 56 BOURQUE
Defense Pair 1: 42 LEPISTO, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 89 SLOAN, 43 HELMER
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Islanders
Forward Line 1: 20 BERGENHEIM, 93 WEIGHT, 13 GUERIN
Forward Line 2: 11 HILBERT, 12 BAILEY, 7 HUNTER
Forward Line 3: 15 TAMBELLINI, 10 PARK, 16 SIM
Forward Line 4: 49 FRITZ, 18 SILLINGER, 28 JACKMAN
Defense Pair 1: 14 CAMPOLI, 2 STREIT
Defense Pair 2: 25 SUTTON, 44 MEYER
Defense Pair 3: 32 WITT, 17 POCK
Goalie: 25 MACDONALD
Back-up Goalie: 34 DANIS

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 28 SEMIN (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (shoulder) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR
Islanders – 39 DIPETRO (knee) IR, 8 GERVAIS (leg) DTD, 24 MARTINEK (shoulder) DTD, 89 COMRIE (hip) IR, 51 NIELSON (leg) IR, 18 SILLINGER (hip) DTD, 45 THOMPSON (groin) DTD, 21 OKPOSO (arm) IR

Caps Milestones:
Matt Bradley needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Nicklas Backstrom needs 8 points to reach 100 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Shaone Morrisonn needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:
After a bad game Tuesday night and a verbal ripping from the coach, the Caps will try to rebound against the NY Islanders tonight. The coach was very critical of the effort put forth by the team. There was no energy and no accountability in the game and for a team without seven of its regular players, that’s not going to get it done. Look for the Caps to be much better against the Islanders. The team cannot rely on talent alone to get goals. They need to outwork the opposition and force them to defend the entire team not just the top line. The Caps have not fared well against the Islanders in the last three seasons. The Caps are just 3-7-2 in that span. Watch for the Caps to come out flying. If not, the W will be hard to come by. Personally, I think they will and I’d hate to be the Islanders tonight.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 NYI 1

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Game #25 Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: December 2, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 9-4-2-0
Caps Game 25 Record: 12-18-2-1
All-Time vs. FLA: 36-29-9-6
All-Time home vs. FLA: 19-11-5-5
Last Season vs. FLA: 4-3-1
Last Meeting: 4/5/08, WAS 3 FLA 1

This Year:
WAS Record: 13-8-3
Standings Points: 29
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 11/29/08, WAS 0 CLB 3
Streak: Loss 1

FLA Record: 9-11-3
Standings Points: 21
Division Rank: 3rd
Conference Rank: 12th
Last Game: 11/30/08, FLA 4 NYR 0
Streak: Win 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 56 BOURQUE
Defense Pair 1: 42 LEPISTO, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 89 SLOAN, 43 HELMER
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Florida
Forward Line 1: 10 BOOTH, 9 WEISS, 67 FROLIK
Forward Line 2: 85 OLESZ, 54 KREPS, 53 MCLEAN
Forward Line 3: 18 PELTONEN, 1 CAMPBELL, 14 DVORAK
Forward Line 4: 74 TARNASKY, 41 MATTHIAS, 13 STEWART
Defense Pair 1: 2 BALLARD, 4 BOUWMEESTER
Defense Pair 2: 3 SKRASTINS, 24 MCCABE
Defense Pair 3: 22 CULLIMORE, 44 BOYNTON
Goalie: 31 ANDERSON
Back-up Goalie: 29 VOKOUN

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 28 SEMIN (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (shoulder) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR
Florida – 5 ALLEN (knee) IR, 21 MURPHY (shoulder) IR, 20 ZEDNIK (arm) IR, 61 STILLMAN (concussion) IR, 16 HORTON (deep leg cut) DTD

Caps Milestones:
Matt Bradley needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Shaone Morrisonn needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:
The Caps return to the Verizon Center to take on the Florida Panthers for the first time this season. The Capitals injury situation has not improved as 7, possibly 8, regulars will miss the game. The players called up from Hershey have filled in well but they looked like a team full of call ups in the loss to Columbus on Saturday. Florida is coming off of a 4-0 victory over the Rangers and for his shutout effort Craig Anderson will get the start for the Panthers. The Capitals need to start fast and get the first goal. They are a different team when they get an early goal and it takes a lot of pressure off the young guys when they can play with the lead. Look for the first line to establish their presents. They have a combined 47 points against the Panthers and will be looking for more. Watch the second line as Fleischmann, Nylander and Fehr are developing some good chemistry. Also watch Milan Jurcina; he is going to score a goal soon. I think this will be a very tight game with the Caps pulling it out in the third.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 FLA 2

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Game #24 Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets

Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

When: November 29, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 5-10-2-0
Caps Game 24 Record: 16-13-4-0
All-Time vs. CLB: 6-1-1-0
All-Time at CLB: 4-1-0-0
Last Season vs. CLB: 1-0-0
Last Meeting: 2/5/08, WAS 4 CLB 3

This Year:
WAS Record: 13-7-3
Standings Points: 29
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 11/28/08, WAS 3 MON 0
Streak: Win 2

CLB Record: 9-10-3
Standings Points: 21
Division Rank: 4th
Conference Rank: 11th
Last Game: 11/28/08, CLB 3 DET 5
Streak: Loss 2

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 39 STECKEL 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 15 GORDON, 56 BOURQUE
Defense Pair 1: 42 LEPISTO, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 89 SLOAN, 43 HELMER
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Columbus
Forward Line 1: 20 HUSELIUS, 16 BRASSARD, 61 NASH
Forward Line 2: 25 CHIMERA, 18 UMBERGER, 93 VORACEK
Forward Line 3: 33 MODIN, 19 PECA, 14 TORRES
Forward Line 4: 40 BOLL, 27 MALHOTRA, 17 MURRAY
Defense Pair 1: 8 HEYDA, 22 COMMODORE
Defense Pair 2: 3 METHOT, 51 TYUTIN
Defense Pair 3: 5 BACKMAN, 10 RUSSELL
Goalie: 1 MASON
Back-up Goalie: 31 LECLAIRE

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 28 SEMIN (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (shoulder) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 3 POTI (groin) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR
Columbus – 15 DORSETT (hand) IR, 97 KLESLA (ankle) IR, 30 NORRENA (undisclosed) DTD

Caps Milestones:
Matt Bradley needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Shaone Morrisonn needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:
After taking care of the Montreal Canadians in shutout fashion the Caps head to Columbus for a meeting with the Blue Jackets. Columbus suffered a late third collapse and fell to the Detroit Red Wings last night and will be looking for some redemption. The Caps meanwhile are still without 7 of their regular starters. The Caps blue line has been bolstered by the young and old from the Hershey ranks as Tyler Sloan, Sami Lepisto, Karl Alzner, and Bryan Helmer will get the call again tonight. According to my unofficial stats the Caps have already lost 75 man-games from injury this season. Look for the Caps to take control of this game early and force Columbus to come back. Watch the second line in this game as Tomas Fleischmann, Michael Nylander, and Eric Fehr have had tremendous chemistry lately. Also watch Alex Ovechkin who will try to extend his 10-game point scoring streak. In two prior meetings with the Jackets, Ovechkin has 4 goals.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 CLB 1

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Game #23 Montreal Canadians at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: November 28, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 4-8-2-1
Caps Game 23 Record: 11-15-6-1
All-Time vs. MON: 48-65-17-1
All-Time Home vs. MON: 29-27-9-0
Last Season vs. MON: 2-2-0
Last Meeting: 1/31/08, WAS 5 MON 4

This Year:
WAS Record: 12-7-3
Standings Points: 27
Division Rank: 1st
Conference Rank: 3rd
Last Game: 11/26/08, WAS 5 ATL 3
Streak: Win 1

MON Record: 12-5-4
Standings Points: 28
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: 5th
Last Game: 11/26/08, MON 3 DET 1
Streak: Win 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 92 NYLANDER, 16 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 56 BOURQUE, 21 LAICH, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 39 STECKEL, 38 MINK
Defense Pair 1: 42 LEPISTO, 26 MORRISONN
Defense Pair 2: 89 SLOAN, 3 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 47 ALZNER
Goalie: 60 THEODORE
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Montreal
Forward Line 1: 21 HIGGINS, 11 KOIVU, 27 KOVALEV
Forward Line 2: 46 A. KOSTITSYN, 20 LANG, 6 KOSTOPOULOS
Forward Line 3: 13 TANGUAY, 14 PLEKANEC, 84 LATENDRESSE
Forward Line 4: 74 S. KOSTITSYN, 40 LAPIERRE, 25 DANDENAULT
Defense Pair 1: 44 HAMERLIK, 26 GORGES
Defense Pair 2: 79 MARKOV, 3 O’BYRNE
Defense Pair 3: 51 BOUILLON, 71 BRISEBOIS
Goalie: 30 PRICE
Back-up Goalie: 41 HALAK

Injuries:
Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR, 91 FEDOROV (ankle) DTD, 28 SEMIN (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (shoulder) IR, 55 SCHULTZ (broken finger) IR, 15 GORDON (back) DTD, 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD, 17 CLARK (forearm) IR
Montreal – 8 KOMISAREK (shoulder) IR

Caps Milestones:
Matt Bradley needs 1 point to reach 100 in his career.
Chris Clark needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 600 in his career.
Shaone Morrisonn needs 4 penalty minutes to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:
The Caps regained their winning ways on Wednesday with a victory over the Atlanta Thrashers but they face a much better Montreal Canadians team tonight at the Phone Both. The Caps are still riddled with injuries and may be without the services of Tom Poti due to a groin injury. Look for the Capitals to use their offense to pressure the Canadians and keep the puck out of the defensive zone. Watch Alex Ovechkin who is on a 9 game points scoring streak and will be looking to take control of the game. In the last meeting between the two teams, Ovechkin broke his nose and went on to score 4 goals including the overtime game-winner. This should be a high paced extremely competitive game with the Caps pulling out a close one.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 MON 2

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