Caps @ Panthers 2-1-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (21-30; 49 points; 4th Southeast Division, 12th Eastern Conference, 22nd Overall) @ Florida Panthers (19-33; 48 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall):
Caps Game #52, Road Game #26, NHL Game #776

BankAtlanic Center, Sunrise, FL. 7:35pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Florida TV: Fox Sportsnet Florida. Radio: WQAM 560-AM. NHL Center Ice: (should be) Fox Sportsnet Florida feed.

Tonight the Caps face a must win game as the start the month of February in the Sunshine state against the Panthers. The Caps are seven points out of a playoff spot and a loss tonight to the Panthers will drop the Caps behind Florida. The Panthers were shutout for the sixth time this season by the Penguin Scum in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

Miami Herald.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Much rejoicing for the Zed-head fans as their idol Richard Zednik is supposed to return to the ice tonight as there are only 12 games left for him to increase his trade value for us. Of course the Caps problems recently have been more about effort and keeping the puck out of their own net. The last two times the Caps have played the Panthers, the Caps have stunk up the joint with their effort. With the Caps needing every point they can get their hands on right now, the Caps should come out tonight with some serious jump in the their skates. If they don't there will be no more talking about making the playoffs.

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

Caps 4
Panthers 2
Winner by Semin