Caps vs. Stars 11-30-2006 Preview

Washington Capitals (9-17; 24 points) vs. Dallas Stars (16-8; 32 points):
Caps Game #25, Home Game #12, NHL Game #364

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Dallas TV: Fox Sportsnet Southwest. Radio: WBAP 820-AM. National TV: HD NET. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

After ending their six game losing streak on Tuesday night by beating the Ning, tonight the Caps close out the month of November and open up a four game homestand by welcoming back their most recent Captain and his new team to the Phone Booth. Jeff Halpern has posted 3 goals, 5 assists, and -1 so far this season for his new team that is coming off a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks last night. Not only are the Stars playing in back-to-back games tonight, this is also their third game in four nights on the road.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com. Caps.com pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Dallas Morning News: Stars blow a lead, Stars-Caps preview, minor league update (reg. might be required). Stars.com does not have a preview up yet.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Well, the Dallas paper likes to boast about "four defensive lines" to contain A.O. but that job is likely to fall to the checking line centered by local boy Jeff Halpern. How well Halpern can handle a line that is not only bigger, but faster than him will be the key. These aren't the same Caps that got beaten 4-1 in Dallas last year. The Caps have more skill and if Alexander Semin and Richard Zednik can get on a roll again, the Caps will be very tough to defend. Dallas though is a very talented team in its own right though and will be a very tough opponent for the Caps to beat.

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

Caps 2
Stars 3
Winner by Modano