Caps vs. Flyers 1-9-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (18-24; 43 points; 3rd Southeast Division, 11th Eastern Conference, 21st Overall) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (11-31; 26 points; Dead Last in Everything):
Caps Game #43, Home Game #24, NHL Game #636.

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM-980 AM. Philadelphia TV: WPSG Channel 57. Radio: WWIP 610-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps close out a four game homestand to open 2007 by hosting the woeful Philadelphia Flyers. The Caps seem to be finding their form again by winning two in a row after an extended losing streak. The Flyers on the other hand have lost now lost three in a row after showing some signs of life.

What The Natives Are Saying:

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

Open Source Intelligence:

Philadelphia Inquirer: Team meeting, Flyers Report. Philadelphia Daily News: Hatcher miffed, Tonight's game. Flyers.com

Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Well first of all, unlike some people (Dave Fay), I'm not saying it. That's how you blow it so keep your bleepin' traps shut. With all the talk and meetings, the Caps are facing a wounded animal tonight and they are always dangerous. The Caps need to come out strong tonight and pounce on the Flyers right away. They cannot afford to give the Flyers any life like they did a month ago. The earlier the Caps score, the more likely the Caps are going to win this game. This is two points for the taking and the Caps have to take them. Matt "Omar" Bradley makes his return tonight so I wonder who will be benched. And there will also be the first sighting of the newly formed Barra Brava offshoot, Army of Darkness (Potomac)/Fifth Line in the phone booth tonight to rouse the crowd up.

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

Caps 5
Flyers 2
Winner by Semin