Opening Night 2011-12 Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  October 8, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

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

Caps Game 1 Record: 17-17-2-0

All-Time vs. CAR: 41-23-7-6

All-Time at home vs. CAR: 23-11-2-2

Last Season vs. CAR: 5-0-1

Last Meeting: 3/29/11, WAS 1 CAR 2 OT-SO

This Year:

WAS Record: 0-0-0

Standings Points: 0

CAR Record: 0-0-0

Standings Points: 0

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

Forward Line 2: 20 BROWER, 90 JOHANSSON, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 21 LAICH, 42 WARD

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 HALPERN, BEAGLE

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 6 WIDEMAN, 44 HAMRLIK

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 29 VOKOUN

Carolina

Forward Line 1: 15 RUUTU, 12 STAAL, 36 JOKINEN

Forward Line 2: 23 PONIKAROVSKY, 53 SKINNER, 22 DALPE

Forward Line 3: 19 TLUSTY, 16 SUTTER, 59 LAROSE

Forward Line 4: 39 DWYER, 37 BRENT, 13 STEWART

Defense Pair 1: 6 GLEASON, 25 PITKANEN

Defense Pair 2: 28 FAULK, 51 KABERLE

Defense Pair 3: 5 ALLEN, 4 MCBAIN

Goalie: 30 WARD

Back-up Goalie: 33 BOUCHER

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (groin) LTIR, 4 ERSKINE (upper body) IR

CAR – None

Caps Milestones:

Jason Chimera needs 2 goals to reach 100 in his career.

Preview:

The Capitals start a new season at home against SE Division rival Carolina. The Caps look a bit different this season as new players were brought in after last season’s second round playoff exit. Washington brought in veteran free agents all over the lineup. The biggest surprise was picking up stand out goaltender Tomas Vokoun after trading Semyon Varlamov to Colorado. He took a pay cut to come to Washington because he wants to win and that’s what we fans love to hear. Look for this game to start off fast. Carolina will be in the second half of back-to-backs so the Caps need to match their energy to start and turn in up in the second period. I think Carolina will have a tough chore trying to beat the Caps at home on opening night.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 CAR 2

Playoff Round 2 Game #4 Preview: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning

Where: St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL

When:  May 4, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-7

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 4

May 01, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 3 (OT)

May 03, 2011 WAS 3 TAM 4

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

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

Forward Line 4: 18 STURM, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 23 HANNAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 6 MALONE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 49 B. JONES, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 3: 8 R. JONES, 77 HEDMAN

Defense Pair 4: 47 BERGERON

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD

TAM – 12 GAGNE (undisclosed) DTD, 13 KUBINA (undisclosed) DTD

Preview:

Its do or die time for the Capitals. They are in a 0-3 hole and must win the next 4 games to advance to the next round. It’s a daunting task but if it’s going to happen it starts tonight. The Capitals need to tighten up on their systems and play with what Tampa is giving them. They had a tremendous second period last night but followed it with a terrible third. Look for the Capitals to come out strong in the first period tonight and play an aggressive forecheck and funnel everything to the net. I expect a more even effort and the Caps will need contributions from its third and fourth lines. Alex Ovechkin has been good in this series but he is going to have to take his play to another level. It all starts here in Game 4. The Caps need a win and I think they get it.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 TAM 1

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Playoff Round 2 Game #3 Preview: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning

Where: St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL

When:  May 3, 2011, 6:30 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-6

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 4

May 01, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 3 (OT)

May 03, 2011 at Tampa

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 90 JOHANSSON, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 19 BACKSTROM, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 44 ARNOTT, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 18 STURM, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 23 HANNAN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 6 MALONE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 49 B. JONES, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 3: 8 R. JONES, 77 HEDMAN

Defense Pair 4: 47 BERGERON

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

TAM – 12 GAGNE (undisclosed) DTD, 13 KUBINA (undisclosed) DTD

Preview:

The Capitals head to Tampa for a must win in Game #3. Tampa leads the series 2-0 and the Capitals have yet to come through on the power play. They have gone 0 for 11 in the first two games and this has been the difference as the Bolts have converted one power play in each game. The Lightning have played a conservative trapping game and depended on strong goaltending to eke out two wins in Washington. I expect a much better game from the Capitals in Game #3. They need to settle down on the penalties and focus on retrieving the puck. This will be another tight low scoring game but look at the battles along the boards as an indicator of how this one will end up. Look for the Caps to convert on their power play chances and play a much cleaner day. With their backs against the wall I think Alex Ovechkin is due for a breakout game.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 2 TAM 1

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Playoff Round 2 Game #2 Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  May 1, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-5

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 4

May 01, 2011 at Washington

May 03, 2011 at Tampa

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 21 LAICH

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

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

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 12 GAGNE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 6 MALONE, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON, 42 TYRELL

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 3: 13 KUBINA, 77 HEDMAN

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

TAM – None

Preview:

Nobody said this would be an easy journey and it’s clear the Tampa has come to play. The Capitals took a while to get back in the flow of things and they will need a full 60 minute effort to prevail in Game #2. Look for significant pushback from Washington as they let Tampa force the action in Game #1. The Caps need to get back to what they did well in round 1 which was tenacious puck retrieval and solid systems play. The other thing that would be nice would be finishing when they get the open look. Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin each had golden opportunities to put the game out of reach but failed to convert. Watch for a much steadier team in Game #2. There will be some subtle changes made now that they know the matchups they are facing. The key for the Capitals will be the special teams. They need to convert on the power play and keep out of the box themselves. I am expecting a big game from Alex Ovechkin so watch for a more physical game with another tight score.  

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 TAM 2

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Playoff Round 2 Game #1 Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  April 29, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. TAM: 0-1

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. TAM: 2-4

Last Meeting: 2003, WAS 2 TAM 4

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

TAM Record: 46-25-11

Standings Points: 103

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 4-1-1

Nov. 11, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 3

Nov. 26, 2010 WAS 6 TAM 0

Jan. 4, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 1 (OT)

Jan. 12, 2011 WAS 0 TAM 3

Feb. 4, 2011 WAS 5 TAM 2

Mar. 7, 2011 WAS 2 TAM 1 (OT-SO)

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 29, 2011 at Washington

May 01, 2011 at Washington

May 03, 2011 at Tampa

May 04, 2011 at Tampa

May 07, 2011 at Washington*

May 09, 2011 at Tampa*

May 11, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 21 LAICH

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

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

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

Tampa

Forward Line 1: 12 GAGNE, 91 STAMKOS, 9 DOWNIE

Forward Line 2: 16 PURCELL, 4 LECAVALIER, 26 ST. LOUIS

Forward Line 3: 6 MALONE, 19 MOORE, 10 BERGENHEIM

Forward Line 4: 18 HALL, 44 THOMPSON, 42 TYRELL

Defense Pair 1: 2 BREWER, 39 LUNDIN

Defense Pair 2: 7 CLARK, 5 OHLUND

Defense Pair 3: 13 KUBINA, 77 HEDMAN

Goalie: 35 ROLOSON

Back-up Goalie: 41 SMITH

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

TAM – None

Preview:

The Capitals second round opponent is Southeast Division foe Tampa Bay Lightning. Washington advanced last Saturday against New York and has been waiting around to see whom they would next face. The Lightning series went to seven games with the Bolts winning just two nights ago. The two teams are intimately familiar with one another and it will be interesting to see how Game #1 unfolds. Will the Caps be rusty, will Tampa be tired or will both teams come out flying? I’m thinking the later. These teams don’t get along well and have players that can light up the scoreboard. In the first round Alex Ovechkin led Washington in scoring but he led the League in hits and played just 5 games. In the regular season the Capitals went 4-1-1 against Tampa but the two losses came in shutouts to Lightning starting goalie Dwayne Roloson. Roloson was the key to victory in the first round and led the League in save percentage in the first round. At the other end of the ice, Capitals rookie goalie Michal Neuvirth led the League in goals against average and was second in save percentage. This series will be a little more wide open with less grinding but secondary scoring will be a major factor in the series. Watch Alexander Semin, who scored 7 goals in 4 regular season games against the Lightning this year, to be the difference maker in this series. It’s going to be a battle to shut down the big time scorers and I see the Caps doing it in 6. Game #1 will see a hungry well rested Capitals team take it to the Lightning with the big guns firing on all cylinders.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 TAM 2

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Playoff Round 1 Game #5 Preview: New York Rangers at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  April 23, 2011, 3:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. NYR: 3-2

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. NYR: 18-15

Last Meeting: 2009, WAS 4 NYR 3

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

NYR Record: 44-33-5

Standings Points: 93

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 8th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 1-2-1

Nov. 9, 2010 WAS 5 NYR 3

Dec. 12, 2010 WAS 0 NYR 7

Jan. 24, 2011 WAS 1 NYR 2 (OT-SO)

Feb. 25, 2011 WAS 0 NYR 6

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 13, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 1 (OT)

Apr. 15, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 0

Apr. 17, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 3

Apr. 20, 2011 WAS 4 NYR 3 (2OT)

Apr. 23, 2011 at Washington*

Apr. 25, 2011 at New York*

Apr. 27, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 21 LAICH

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

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

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

New York

Forward Line 1: 20 PROSPAL, 42 ANISIMOV, 10 GABORIK

Forward Line 2: 17 DUBINSKY, 21 STEPAN, 19 FEDOTENKO

Forward Line 3: 86 WOLKSKI, 22 BOYLE, 8 PRUST

Forward Line 4: 16 AVERY, 26 CHRISTENSEN, 23 DRURY

Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 5 GIRARDI

Defense Pair 2: 27 MCDONAGH, 38 SAUER

Defense Pair 3: 28 MCCABE, 97 GILROY

Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST

Back-up Goalie: 29 JOHNSON

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD, 22 KNUBLE (hand) DTD

NYR – BIRON (broken collarbone) IR, BOOGAARD (concussion) IR, FROLOV (knee) IR, CALLAHAN (ankle) IR

Preview:

Washington will try to close out the series at home in Game #5. After the Game #4 double overtime comeback from 3 goals down the Capitals cannot afford to let down as the Rangers will be even more desperate this time around. Jason Chimera was the hero in Game #4 but the next game-winner for the Capitals will be even bigger. With a 3-1 series lead everyone in bringing up last year’s collapse with the same lead but this is not last year’s team. With everything that has happened this season, this team is much more prepared for these moments. Expect another tight, hard checking game. The Rangers will try to get out to a fast start offensively so look for Washington to counter. It should be interesting to see if either team can score in the first period. The previous 4 games of the series have been scoreless after 1 period. I think that Washington will have a good start and in another close game pull out the victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 NYR 2

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Playoff Round 1 Game #4 Preview: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When:  April 20, 2011, 7:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. NYR: 3-2

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. NYR: 17-15

Last Meeting: 2009, WAS 4 NYR 3

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

NYR Record: 44-33-5

Standings Points: 93

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 8th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 1-2-1

Nov. 9, 2010 WAS 5 NYR 3

Dec. 12, 2010 WAS 0 NYR 7

Jan. 24, 2011 WAS 1 NYR 2 (OT-SO)

Feb. 25, 2011 WAS 0 NYR 6

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 13, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 1 (OT)

Apr. 15, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 0

Apr. 17, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 3

Apr. 20, 2011 at New York

Apr. 23, 2011 at Washington*

Apr. 25, 2011 at New York*

Apr. 27, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 90 JOHANSSON, 25 CHIMERA

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

New York

Forward Line 1: 20 PROSPAL, 42 ANISIMOV, 10 GABORIK

Forward Line 2: 17 DUBINSKY, 21 STEPAN, 19 FEDOTENKO

Forward Line 3: 86 WOLKSKI, 22 BOYLE, 8 PRUST

Forward Line 4: 16 AVERY, 26 CHRISTENSEN, 23 DRURY

Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 5 GIRARDI

Defense Pair 2: 27 MCDONAGH, 38 SAUER

Defense Pair 3: 28 MCCABE, 97 GILROY

Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST

Back-up Goalie: 29 JOHNSON

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD

NYR – BIRON (broken collarbone) IR, BOOGAARD (concussion) IR, FROLOV (knee) IR, CALLAHAN (ankle) IR

Preview:

Washington will try and regain the momentum after a late goal against allowed the Ranger claim a win in Game #3. The Capitals have been playing solid defense but the offense has been a bit sporadic. The top two lines have been getting it done with Alex Ovechkin and Jason Arnott who have amassed 4 and 3 points respectively. The Capitals will need to get some offense from the third and fourth lines. Hello Matt Bradley and Matt Hendricks. In addition to the toughness these guys bring to the lineup, combined 10 hits in 3 games, they need to disrupt Henrik Lundqvist in the crease. So far he has pretty much had a free pass this series and a little heat on him could be a big boost for Washington. Expect another bruising game with lots of hitting and clogged neutral zone. Look for the Capitals to crash the net more in this game and try to take control early. Michal Neuvirth has been stellar in the series through three games. He has stopped 78 of the 82 shots he’s faced and been unflappable under pressure. Watch for the Caps to be more aggressive in the offensive zone and force the Rangers to react. The Capitals will need to do this if they want any time on the power play. Last game the Caps allowed the Rangers to dictate play and ended up defending 7 power plays against including two 5-on-3 chances. I think the Capitals will pressure the Rangers early and get the first goal but it will be another tight game with the winner in doubt until the third period. With a strong forecheck and more offensive presents the Caps can wear down the New York defense and come out on top.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 2 NYR 1

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Playoff Round 1 Game #3 Preview: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  April 17, 2011, 3:00 PM

History:           

All-Time Playoff Series Record vs. NYR: 3-2

All-Time Playoff Game Record vs. NYR: 17-14

Last Meeting: 2009, WAS 4 NYR 3

This Year:

WAS Record: 48-22-11

Standings Points: 107

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 1st

NYR Record: 44-33-5

Standings Points: 93

Division Rank: 3rd

Conference Rank: 8th    

2010-2011 Regular Season Series: 1-2-1

Nov. 9, 2010 WAS 5 NYR 3

Dec. 12, 2010 WAS 0 NYR 7

Jan. 24, 2011 WAS 1 NYR 2 (OT-SO)

Feb. 25, 2011 WAS 0 NYR 6

Playoff Series Schedule and Results:

Apr. 13, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 1 (OT)

Apr. 15, 2011 WAS 2 NYR 0

Apr. 17, 2011 at New York

Apr. 20, 2011 at New York

Apr. 23, 2011 at Washington*

Apr. 25, 2011 at New York*

Apr. 27, 2011 at Washington*

*If required

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

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

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 21 LAICH, 90 JOHANSSON, 25 CHIMERA

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 HANNAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 4 ERSKINE, 52 GREEN

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 1 VARLAMOV

New York

Forward Line 1: 20 PROSPAL, 42 ANISIMOV, 10 GABORIK

Forward Line 2: 17 DUBINSKY, 21 STEPAN, 19 FEDOTENKO

Forward Line 3: 86 WOLKSKI, 22 BOYLE, 8 PRUST

Forward Line 4: 16 AVERY, 26 CHRISTENSEN, 23 DRURY

Defense Pair 1: 18 STAAL, 5 GIRARDI

Defense Pair 2: 27 MCDONAGH, 38 SAUER

Defense Pair 3: 28 MCCABE, 97 GILROY

Goalie: 30 LUNDQVIST

Back-up Goalie: 29 JOHNSON

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, (upper body) IR, 6 WIDEMAN (lower body) DTD

NYR – BIRON (broken collarbone) IR, BOOGAARD (concussion) IR, FROLOV (knee) IR, CALLAHAN (ankle) IR

Preview:

With a 2-0 lead in the series the Capitals have an opportunity to put a death grip on the Rangers chances. To do it, Washington will have to win Game #3 in New York. The Caps were very good on the road this year but this will be the first chance to show that they have that killer instinct that all great teams have. Expect New York to come out flying with great desperation. They gave the Capitals a big dose of it in the first period of Game #2 but Capitals rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth held them in check. The Capitals need to start in the way they started the second period of Game #2. Using their strong forecheck and speed they will need to turn the play against the aggression of the Rangers. The Caps have been very adept at winning the board battles so far so watch for the Capitals sense of urgency in Game #3. This should be an even more physical game than the previous two. Washington has bent but not broken on defense and allowed only 1 goal against in almost 7 periods of play. Look for another Washington shot blocking exposition in Game #3 and I expect Capitals to keep the pressure on and take this one with a strong, convincing effort.  

Joe’s prediction: Caps 4 NYR 1

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