Caps vs. Ning 3-18-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (25-47; 63 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-33; 82 points; 2nd Southeast Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 14th Overall):
Caps Game #73, Home Game #38, NHL Game #1,080

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 1:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Tampa TV: Sunshine Network. Radio: WDAE 620-AM. Canadian National TV: NHL Network. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

The Caps wrap up a three games in four days and a quick two game homestand by hosting the Ning this afternoon at the Phone Booth. The Ning are still in a dogfight with the Atlanta Thrashers for the Southeast Division title that looks to go down to the wire. The Ning are two points back but have a game in hand on the Thrashers who host the Buffaslugs this afternoon. The Ning have lost two in a row by a score of 3-2 including Friday night's game in Tampa against the Buffaslugs. After today's game, the Ning have only two of their remaining nine games on road as they open up a four game homestand Tuesday night.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com. Street closings today (Pay close attention, there will be a quiz later.)

Open Source Intelligence:

St. Petersburg Times. Tampa Tribune. Ning.com. (Don't worry, it should change, they've been using the same page all season)

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Today?:

The Caps won on Friday night. If they win again today it will be two in a row. If they win again today and on Wednesday it will be three in a row. It's called a winning streak and it has happened in the past... The Caps are not officially eliminated from the playoffs yet and the Ning are looking to secure home ice for a probable first round matchup with the Thrashers. The Caps are once again fighting the injury bug as Brian Sutherby is gone now with a thumb injury so the odds increase on this team more.

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

Caps 2
Ning 3
Winner by St. Louis