Caps vs. Thrashers 11-21-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (6-14; 13 points) vs. Atlanta Thrashers (10-10; 20 points):
Caps Game #21, Home Game #9, NHL Game #302

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:07 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WWWT 1500-AM, 107.7-FM. Atlanta TV: SportSouth. Radio: WCNN 680-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps get a firsthand look at what a coaching change can do for a hockey team. After starting the season 0-6, the Thrashers are 10-4 and have won six of their last seven including their last three in a row their most recent win being a 4-3 in overtime at home against Tampa Bay. They beat the Caps 2-1 in overtime in Atlanta 15 days ago.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

Open Source Intelligence:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Thrashers.com .pdf game notes.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

The last time the Caps focused on something specific in practice, the work didn't last very long as the Caps are still registering double digits in blocked shots every single game. Though we should be happy that the coaching staff finally found something to work on in practice so at least it is a start. While the shifts tonight might be shorter and the turnovers fewer in number, will the results be any different? The same goes for the new line combinations which right now has done nothing but rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic. A key to tonight's game for the Caps will be avoiding overtime as the Thrashers are 5-0 this season in the extra session and gimmick. But with the way the Caps have been playing recently, that shouldn't be much of a concern as the Caps have fought back to force overtime only once this season.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 2
Atlanta 4
Winner by White

(10-10 on the season)