Caps @ Ning 2-15-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (23-34; 54 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (32-26; 66 points; 2nd Southeast Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 14th Overall):
Caps Game #58, Road Game #28, NHL Game #867

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL. 7:35 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Tampa TV: Sunshine Network. Radio: WDAE 620-AM. NHL Center Ice: Sunshine Network feed.

Tonight after what we thought was going to be a quiet four days off, the Caps return to action tonight in Tampa to face the Ning. The Caps have just two wins in their last five games and they are facing a Ning team that has won 2 in a row and four of their last five. Tampa is also three points out of first place with two games-in-hand on Atlanta. One of those games-in-hand is tonight.

What The Natives Are Saying:

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

Open Source Intelligence:

St. Petersbug Times. Tampa Tribune. Ning.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

The Caps get some help back tonight on the blueline with the expected return of John Erskine Bowles and Brian Pothier but take a hit with Olie Kolzig going the other way in the I.R. hostage exchange. How will the Caps rally around Brent Johnson? Is Johnny over his bad start in Loserville er... I mean Buffalo. Did the four days off do anything for the Caps psyche and conditioning? Will Caps be looking to play spoilers? Can the Caps catch the Ning napping on them? Did I leave the iron on? (Whoops...) Anyway, the answers to these questions will be found in the first five minutes of tonight's game.

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

Caps 2
Ning 5
Winner by Richards