Game #34 Recap: Caps 2 Boston 3

After an awful start the Caps left themselves a 3-0 deficit by the end of the first period. Washington just didn't look ready for the start to the game and the Bruins took it to the Capitals. As bad as the first period was the Caps settled down and got back into it with a strong second period and a goal from Matt Bradley who tried to get some energy going in the first when he dropped the gloves. The Capitals dominated the third period, pumping 26 shots on goal. Karl Alzner scored with a little over 5 minutes remaining and the Caps looked posed to breakthrough but just couldn't get the tying goal. The losing streak climbs to 8 games and the Caps head off to Ottawa for a game with the Senators tomorrow.

Of Note:

• Mike Knuble played his 100th game with the Capitals and his 920th of his NHL career.
• Matt Bradley scored his 3rd goal of the season and picked up his 500th career penalty minute and his 500th shot on goal with the Caps.
• The Caps were 0 for 1 on the power play and faced no power plays against.
• Michael Nuevirth took the loss stopping 18 of 21 shots in the game.
• Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Matt Hendricks and David Steckel picked up assists on the two Capitals goals.

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Game Summary
Event Summary

Game #34 Preview: Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

When:  December 18, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

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

Caps Game 34 Record: 12-17-4-2

All-Time vs. BOS: 42-63-21-8

All-Time at BOS: 19-35-9-4

Last Season vs. BOS: 3-0-1

Last Meeting: 11/5/10, WAS 5 BOS 3

Season Series vs. BOS: 1-2-0

This Year:

WAS Record: 18-11-4

Standings Points: 40

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 3rd

Last Game: 12/15/10, WAS 1 ANA 2 (OT)

Streak: Loss 7

BOS Record: 16-10-4

Standings Points: 36

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 8th    

Last Game: 12/16/10, BOS 3 MON 4

Streak: Loss 2

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 85 PERRAULT, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 90 JOHANSSON, 83 BEAGLE

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

Defense Pair 1: 52 GREEN, 27 ALZNER

Defense Pair 2: 3 POTI, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 23 HANNAN, 4 ERSKINE

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Boston

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

Forward Line 2: 26 WHEELER, 37 BERGERON, 28 RECCHI

Forward Line 3: 19 SEGUIN, 91 SAVARD, 73 RYDER

Forward Line 4: 63 MARCHAND, 11 CAMPBELL, 22 THORNTON

Defense Pair 1: 33 CHARA, 55 BOYCHUK

Defense Pair 2: 44 SEIDENBERG, 47 KAMPFER

Defense Pair 3: 21 FERENCE, 54 MCQUAID

Goalie: 30 THOMAS

Back-up Goalie: 40 RASK

Injuries:

Washington – 55 SCHULTZ (broken thumb) IR, 89 SLOAN (hip flexor) IR, 15 GORDON (lower body) IR, 17 KING (undisclosed) IR, 28 SEMIN (lower body) DTD

BOS – 42 WHITFIELD (Achilles) IR, 45 STUART (broken hand) 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 8 points to reach 300 in his career.

Matt Bradley 1 PIM to reach 500 in his career.

Preview:

Washington heads on the road for a back-to-back weekend where they face the Boston Bruins on Saturday and the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. The team played much better in Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Ducks. With two more days of practice the Capitals will look to put some more goals on the board against the Bruins. The team has only scored 9 goals during the 7-game losing streak and need to get more production from, well, just about everyone. Look for another tight checking game with the Capitals paying attention to detail. I get the feeling the boys are going to breakout in this game.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 BOS 2

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Game #13 Recap: Caps 5 Boston 3

The Capitals prevailed over the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center last night with a 5-3 victory. The team had its best effort of the season for the first two periods and led 3-0 going into the third and chased Boston goalie Tim Thomas to the bench. Successive penalties to  Jason Chimera and John Erskine were both converted into Boston goals early in the third. Following a slew of bad turnovers Boston tied the game on a 2-on-1 break. This led Head Coach Bruce Boudreau to lift Michael Nuevirth from the net and insert Braden Holtby for his first NHL action ever. Holtby held down the fort stopping all 4 shots he faced in the final 10:09. At the 13:25 mark, Capitals rookie defensemen John Carlson blasted a slap shot into the Boston net to give the Capitals the lead. The Caps held off the Bruins the rest of the way and got an empty net insurance goal from Alex Ovechkin.

Of Note:

• Alexander Semin was stellar for the Capitals. He had 1 goal, 6 shots on goal and 3 takeaways, as well as, some nice defensive work including a nice back check that stopped a Boston odd man chance. His goal was a thing of beauty. While on the penalty kill he forced the puck out of the zone at the blue line, kept his feet moving and pushed the puck through the neutral zone setting up an odd man break, and converted on a sweet passing play between him and Mike Green.
• Green had a great night also. He had a goal and an assist,, blocked 3 shots and was solid defensively.
• The Caps penalty killers had a rough go of it allowing 2 goals on 3 chances but got the shorty as well.
• Since he entered the game with the score tied Braden Holtby got the win for the Capitals.
• The Caps put 39 shots on the Boston net including 17 in the second period. The defense allowed only 18 shots on the Capitals net while blocking 18 on the night.
• Boyd Gordon put out a superb effort set up the game-winning goal with a face-off win. Gordon was named the Game's #2 star.
• Tyer Sloan opened the scoring in the second with his first goal of the season. It was Sloan's first game back from a lower body injury.
• With 2 assists on the night Nicklas Backstrom passed Steve Konowalchuk to move into 18th place on the Capitals All-Time Assist list. Backstrom has a 197 career assists with the Caps.
• Jeff Shultz was +3 and picked up an assist on the Ovechkin goal.

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Event Summary

Game #13 Preview: Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  November 5, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 6-9-1-0

Caps Game 13 Record: 16-14-4-1

All-Time vs. BOS: 41-63-21-8

All-Time home vs. BOS: 22-28-12-4

Last Season vs. BOS: 3-0-1

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

This Year:

WAS Record: 8-4-0

Standings Points: 16

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 2nd      

Last Game: 11/3/10, WAS 5 TOR 4 (OT-SO)

Streak: Win 2

BOS Record: 7-2-0

Standings Points: 14

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

Last Game: 11/3/10, BOS 5 BUF 2

Streak: Win 3

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

Forward Line 2: 14 FLEISCHMANN, 21 LAICH, 22 KNUBLE

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

Forward Line 4: 17 KING, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 4 ERSKINE, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 27 ALZNER, 44 FAHEY

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 70 HOLTBY

Boston

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

Forward Line 2: 38 CARON, 37 BERGERON, 28 RECCHI

Forward Line 3: 26 WHEELER, 19 SEGUIN, 73 RYDER

Forward Line 4: 63 MARCHAND, 11 CAMPBELL, 22 THORNTON

Defense Pair 1: 21 FERENCE, 33 CHARA

Defense Pair 2: 45 STUART, 44 SEIDENBERG

Defense Pair 3:, 48 HUNWICK, 54 MCQUAID

Goalie: 30 THOMAS

Back-up Goalie: 40 RASK

Injuries:

Washington –1 VARLAMOV (groin) IR, 3 POTI (lower body) IR, 90 JOHANSSON (hip flexor) IR, 89 SLOAN (lower body) DTD

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

Caps Milestones:

Nicklas Backstrom needs 5 assists to reach 200 in his career.

Brooks Laich needs 3 points to reach 200 in his career.

Jason Chimera needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:

The consistently inconsistent Capitals meet the Boston Bruins for the third time in the young season. Both teams are high up in the standings but in the previous two meetings Boston goalie Tim Thomas has been the difference. Allowing just 2 goals on 75 shots Thomas thoroughly frustrated the Washington forwards. The Caps will need a better effort than they gave two nights ago if they want the victory tonight. Despite being out worked and out hustled by the Maple Leafs, the Capitals were able to pull out a shootout win but that kind of effort will see them in the losing column against Boston. Look for a physical game as the two teams are very familiar with each other. The key for the Capitals will be maintaining their defensive structure. They cannot afford to give the Bruins any odd man chances. I think the Caps will bring the work boots and hard hats to the arena tonight and eke out a win in a hard fought game. It should be a good one to watch.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 BOS 2

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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.

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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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Game #6 Recap: Caps 1 Bruins 3

The Capitals played a strong game but could only manage 1 goal against Boston goalie Tim Thomas. The team put 36 shots on goal including 18 in the third period. The penalty kill was a bright spot once again as the Caps killed off all 4 Boston power plays including 53-seconds of a 5-on-3. The Caps have now killed off all 25 power plays they have faced this season. The Caps own power play was also 0 for 4 on the night and looked disorganized at best. It was a game of inches that didn't go the Capitals way. Alexander Semin's hit the crossbar late in the third and Brooks Laich stopped on the doorstep by a quick reaction save were two key plays that could have turned the game. The team looked much improved over Saturday's game in Nashville but, unfortunately, the result didn't show it.

Of Note:

• The Caps started well in the first period but two defensive breakdowns ended up in the back of the Capitals net. Starting goaltender Micheal Neuvirth left after 12:42 in the first period and was apparently suffering from the flu.Neuvirth stopped only 5 of the 7 shots he faced.
• Semyon Varlamov took over for Nuevirth and finished with 13 saves on 14 shots. His only goal against came in the third period on a screened point shot.
• Marcus Johansson scored his first ever NHL goal on a nice forechecking effort from Matt Hendricks and Jason Chimera. Johansson was the games #3 Star.
• Alex Ovechkin was bracketed by defenders all night but managed 5 shots on goal and dished out 6 hits.
• Alexander Semin put 10 shots on the net and was playing some nice aggressive hockey with 3 hits. Heck even Flash got in on the hitting with 3 hits including a good hit on Boston big man Zdeno Chara.
• The team was above 50% in the face-off dot for only the second time this season. They won 28 of 51 draws. Nicklas Backstrom led the way winning 12 and losing 8.
• The two teams play again on Thursday in Boston.

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Event Summary

Game #6 Preview: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  October 19, 2010 7:00 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 5-11-1-1

Caps Game 6 Record: 10-18-4-3

All-Time vs. BOS: 41-61-21-8

All-Time Home vs. BOS: 22-27-12-4

Last Season vs. BOS: 3-0-1

Last Meeting: 4/11/10, WAS 3 BOS 4 (OT-SO)

This Year:

WAS Record: 4-1-0

Standings Points: 8

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 2nd      

Last Game: 10/16/10, WAS 3 NAS 2 (OT)

Streak: Win 4

BOS Record: 2-1-0

Standings Points: 4

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 9th    

Last Game: 10/16/10, BOS 4 NJ 1

Streak: Win 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: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 39 STECKEL

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 3 POTI

Defense Pair 3: 89 SLOAN, 4 ERSKINE

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

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 – 3 POTI (lower body) DTD, 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 needs 6 points to reach 200 in his career.

Preview:

The Capitals take on the Boston Bruins in game #6. The team is looking to even out its erratic play and that begins at the start. In the last two games the Caps have left the first period trailing their opponents. Without the stellar play of goalie Micheal Nuevirth, they may have been out of these games before they could get in gear. Neuvirth has been a godsend, but the team would rather have him protecting a lead than bailing them out. Look for the top line of Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble to force the play in the Boston zone and keep the pressure off the injured d-corps. The Caps may get the services of Tom Poti back but John Carlson is banged up from blocking a shot in the Nashville game and Mike Green is doubtful. I think the Caps will start strong and take this game over early. It should be an entertaining game with lots of physicality.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 BOS 1

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Game #29 Recap - Capitals 3 Bruins 1

The Capitals showed just why everyone had such high expectations coming into this season. The Caps took it to Eastern Conference leading Bruins 3-1 last night. The highlights reels will be plastered with Brent Johnson saves as the Caps' goalie stood on his head for the team. Only a defensive lapse in the final minute of the second period denied him the shutout he deserved. The Caps played their system and did something, I noticed, had been lacking in recent games. That was getting the puck deep into the offensive zone and pounding the Boston defensemen. It was good to see the physical game return to the Caps as 15 of the 18 skaters recorded at least one hit. The offense scored one goal in each period with Nicklas Backstrom opening the scoring with a power play deflection goal. In the second Alexandre Giroux converted a rebound on a Viktor Kozlov shot. The scoring ended with an empty net goal from Alex Ovechkin in the final minute.

Of Note:

• Ovechkin, Backstrom and Kozlov had 2 points each. Ovechkin and Backstrom had a goal and an assist each. Kozlov chipped in 2 assists.
• Alexandre Giroux netted the game-winner but was stopped on a penalty shot early in the third period. The Hershey call up was leading the AHL in goal scoring prior to his recall to the Caps.
• Oskar Osala made his NHL debut with the Caps. The rookie skated 11:15 and recorded 1 shot on goal, had 1 attempt blocked and missed the net on 1 other shot.
• In the win, Brent Johnson stopped 33 of 34 shots on goal and was named the #1 Star of the Game.
• The Caps converted on 1 of 2 power plays and held the Bruins scoreless on 3 attempts.
• In the face-off circle the Caps thoroughly dominated winning 44 of 72 draws (61%).

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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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