Caps vs. Thrashers 10-14-2006 Preview

Washington Capitals (1-2, 3 points) vs. Atlanta Thrashers (3-2, 7 points)
Caps Game #4, Home Game #2, NHL Game #63

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 PM. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Atlanta TV: Sport South. Radio: WCNN 680-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps honor A.O. for winning the Calder Trophy last year. Fans will get a Commemorative Coin and will be able to take pictures of the Calder Trophy. It is also Schedule Magnet night tonight. (Which means I get to redecorate my kitchen.) There is also a Washington Capitals Fan Club meeting before the game tonight that your's truly will be attending. Ted Leonsis is scheduled to speak and should I get permission, I'll post notes on what he has to say on here.

The Caps are coming off of a gimmick loss from Thursday night while the Thrashers are playing their third game in four nights. Atlanta gave up the winning goal to Carolina last night with .5 seconds left to take their first loss in regulation this season after battling back from a 3-0 deficit.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post notebook: Penalties are adding up. (No poop...) Times: A.O. night. Caps.com. Caps.com pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Tough loss, deflating loss, Kovalchuk not scoring. No game preview yet on Thrashers.com but there is a Southeast Division preview to chew on in the meantime.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Well, more emotion than your typical home game, but less than what you normally see for a home opener. The Caps are feting A.O. and that should provide a boost. With the Thrashers playing their third game in four nights, the Caps should be able to take advantage of an Atlanta team that they are growing to dislike. The Thrashers have to be demoralized and drained after losing to Carolina last night. All indications are pointing towards a Caps win.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 5
Thrashers 1
Winner by Sutherby