Game #32 Preview: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When:  December 12, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 7-8-1-0

Caps Game 32 Record: 18-15-2-0

All-Time vs. NYR: 89-75-18-5

All-Time at NYR: 39-43-9-2

Last Season vs. NYR: 3-1-0

Last Meeting: 11/9/10, WAS 5 NYR 3

This Year:

WAS Record: 18-10-3

Standings Points: 39

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 2nd      

Last Game: 12/11/10, WAS 2 COL 3

Streak: Loss 5

NYR Record: 17-13-1

Standings Points: 35

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 8th    

Last Game: 12/11/10, NYR 1 CLB 3

Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

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

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 15 GORDON, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 90 JOHANSSON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 23 HANNAN, 3 POTI

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 44 FAHEY, 4 ERSKINE

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Rangers

Forward Line 1: 19 FEDOTENKO, 21 STEPAN, 10 GABORIK

Forward Line 2: 17 DUBINSKY, 42 ANISIMOV, 24 CALLAHAN

Forward Line 3: 31 FROLOV, 22 BOYLE, 8 PRUST

Forward Line 4: 16 AVERY, 26 CHRISTENSEN, 12 WHITE

Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 5 GIRARDI

Defense Pair 2: 4 DEL ZOTTO, 33 ROZIVAL

Defense Pair 3: 97 GILROY, 38 SAUER

Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST

Back-up Goalie: 43 BIRON

Injuries:

Washington – 52 GREEN (illness) DTD, 55 SCHULTZ (broken Thumb) IR, 89 SLOAN (hip flexor) IR

NYR – 23 DRURY (broken finger) IR, 20 PROSPAL (knee) IR

Caps Milestones:

Jason Chimera needs 1 point to reach 200 in his career.

Mike Knuble needs 5 points to reach 500 in his career.

Nicklas Backstrom needs 9 points to reach 300 in his career.

Matt Bradley 1 PIM to reach 500 in his career.

Preview:

The Capitals travel up to New York City to take on the Rangers following a 3-2 loss last night and on the losing end for the 5^th consecutive game. The bright side was that the team played a strong game and appears to be moving forward. Luckily, it’s early in the season and these trials and tribulations should help build character. Of course, how many times have you heard that one? In tonight’s game the Caps face another hard working team who loves to bring the body. Look for a very physical start to this one as both teams will try to set the tone for the game. The Caps will need to bring a high energy level and force the Ranger to fight for every inch of ice. I expect the Caps to win in a close one and get back into the win column.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 NYR 3

Official Preview