GAME ON! Caps @ Thrashers 10-1-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (0-0; 0 points) @ Atlanta Thrashers (0-0; 0 points):
Caps Game #1, Road Game #1, NHL Game #16

Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA. 7:37 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WWWT 1500-AM, 107.7-FM. Atlanta TV: SportSouth. Radio: WCNN 680-AM. NHL Center Ice: SportSouth feed.

It's opening night for the Capitals who open their 33rd season of NHL action on the road in Atlanta against the defending Southeast Division Champion Atlanta Thrashers. The Caps are talking about making the playoffs and will need to improve both their road record and division record in order to be serious playoff contenders. Tonight will provide the Caps with an opportunity to do both.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post: unknown quantity, Caps preview. Times: Load of leadership, Caps Update. Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

Atlanta Journal Constitution: younger team, build on success, Hossa focused, five issues. Thrashers.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Well as mentioned, it is opening night tonight for both teams. The Thrashers have home ice advantage and will be raising a championship banner to the rafters. There should be plenty of positive energy for the Thrashers in this game and the Caps will need a lot to overcome it. The Caps however have a serious question in goal right now. The Caps have three games in four days to open the season so will Olie Kolzig start the season opener or will Brent Johnson? Johnson started all four games in Atlanta last year going 2-2. Furthermore, the Caps will be without Alexander Semin tonight who is day-to-day with a sprained ankle. Add it all up and I don't have a good feeling about tonight's game.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 2
Thrashers 4
Winner by Hossa