Caps vs. Canes 3-9-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-43; 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (33-35; 73 points; 3rd Southeast Division, 9th Eastern Conference, 18th Overall):
Caps Game #68, Home Game #36, NHL Game #1,014

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Carolina TV: Fox Sportsnet South. Radio: WWMY 102.9-FM. Canadian National TV: NHL Network. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps kick off a set of back-to-back games and three games in four night in three cities by hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina is tied with the New York Rangers and Maple Leafs for the last Eastern Conference playoff spot but are giving up a game in hand to the Rangers. The Canes have been off for the past four days and have lost three of their last four games, beating only the Penguin Scum in the process.

What The Natives Are Saying:

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

Open Source Intelligence:

Raleigh News & Observer: Seeking power, Eye on the Canes. Canes.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Long layoffs aren't good for hockey teams. While the Canes certainly have some much needed rest, they also now have some much unneeded rust. Because the Canes need every point they can get their hands on, expect the Canes to play a desperate game early and bunker in late if the game is tied or if they lead by a single goal. The Caps could use a repeat of the January 27th meeting where they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and went on to win 7-3. Doing so will help out the Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Canadiens in the fight for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

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

Caps 2
Canes 6
Winner by Staal