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

Official Preview