Caps @ Penguin Scum 2-18-2007

Washington Capitals (23-35; 55 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) @ Pittsburgh Penguin Scum (31-26; 71 points; 2nd Atlantic Division, 4th Eastern Conference, 7th Overall):
Caps Game #59, Road Game #29, NHL Game #886

Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA. 3:35 pm. Washington TV: None. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Pittsburgh TV: None. Radio: WXDX 105.9-FM. National TV: NBC Sports (59% of the country will get this game, NBC Coverage Map). NHL Center Ice: NBC feed

Today the Caps, who haven't won a road game since January 18th, continue their little three game road trip by paying their last visit to Pittsburgh. The Penguin Scum continue their hot run of late by picking up points in their last 15 games. The Caps today also make their first ever appearance on NBC under the NHL's new TV contract.

What The Natives Are Saying:

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

Open Source Intelligence:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Ties that bind, kids day, unscientific poll. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Chattering class, credit the coach, give Secondary Assist Cindy Crosby a Clio (click here to see the award winning performance), scouting the Caps. Penguin Scum.com has not posted a preview yet.

Neutral Views:

NBC Sports.com. NHL.com. NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Today?:

The Caps have a pretty good chance of springing a trap on the Penguin Scum today. The Penguin Scum are on a "hot" streak while the Caps have been "bad." Olie Kolzig is out, Brent Johnson is in, A.O. is in a slump, the Caps haven't won in Pittsburgh since December 3rd, 2002, and the Caps tend to lay an egg when the National spotlight is shined upon them. There's no reason to think the Caps can win this game. The Penguin Scum are even trotting out their backup goaltender today despite their regular goaltender pitching a shutout against the Caps the last time these teams met on February 3rd. The Penguin Scum however have been letting teams "up off the mat" and playing on pure high-flying confidence right now as pucks are bouncing their way for the most part. The Caps have a good chance to spring a trap on the Penguin Scum today and bring them back down to earth.

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

Caps 2
Penguin Scum 5
Winner by Armstrong