Caps @ Panthers 1-13-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (19-25; 45 points; 4th Southeast Division, 11th Eastern Conference, 21st overall) @ Florida Panthers (16-30; 41 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th overall):
Caps Game #44, Road Game #21, NHL Game #674.

Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise, Fl. 7:35 pm. Washington TV: WDCW Channel 50. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Florida TV: Fox SportsNet Florida. Radio: WQAM 560-AM. NHL Center Ice: Fox SportsNet Florida feed.

Tonight the Caps look to get back on track by paying a visit to the Florida Panthers. The Panthers have just one win in their past five games and guess who that win was against? That's right, on home ice against the Penguin Scum. But while the Caps were losing to the Ning on Thursday night, the Panthers were in Carolina losing to the Canes 6-4.

What The Natives Are Saying:

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

Open Source Intelligence:

Miami Herald.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Florida has been struggling in the new year and articles like the one above do not bode well for a team like Florida. Just like when they played the Flyers this past Tuesday night, once again the Caps have to look out for a trap. Florida has just one win in the calendar year of 2007 and odds are they are going to win another one at some point in time. Olie Kolzig personally took responsibility for the loss on Thursday night and it was a stick swinging on Long Island that snapped the Caps out of their November funk and led to a four game winning streak. It also led to one of Olie's best performances of the season. I wouldn't classify the Caps as being in a funk right now, but I certainly think they will get a great effort in goal tonight. So the only question is, will the offense continue to put up at least three goals?

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

Caps 4
Panthers 1
Winner by Semin