Caps @ Rangers 10-12-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (3-0; 6 points) @ New York Rangers (1-2; 2 points):
Caps Game #4, Road Game #3, NHL Game #57

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, 7:37 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WWWT 1500-AM, 107.7-FM. New York TV: MSG. Radio; WABC 770-AM. NHL Center Ice: MSG feed.

Off to one of their best starts in history, the Caps open up a back-to-back set on the road in the Empire state by playing the New York Rangers. The Rangers haven't gotten off to the start expected of them and are already preaching patience and things will take time. The Rangers not only face the undefeated Caps tonight, but will get the Ottawa Senators at home tomorrow night who hold the best record in the league right now. This could be a make or break weekend for the Rangers.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

New York Daily News. Rangers.com.

The Idiocy of Larry Brooks:

New York Post.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

With three days off hearing about how good they are and what a surprise they are and noting the renewed commitment to defense, the Caps tonight walk into a classic trap scenario. They're playing a team that is complaining that it's offense isn't working and the defense isn't strong enough to pull the team through. The Caps are on the road again and will be without Alexander Semin this weekend. The Caps will need to jump on the Rangers early and cultivate their growing frustration.

Caps Nut's Official Prediction:

Caps 3
Rangers 2
Winner by Nylander

(1-2 on the season)