Caps vs. Devils 12-10-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (10-19; 22 points) vs. New Jersey Devils (16-13; 35 points):
Caps Game #30, Home Game #14, NHL Game #435

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:07 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WWWT 1500-AM, 107.7-FM. New Jersey TV: Fox SportsNet New York. Radio: WFAN 660-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps continue their four game homestand and finish off a three games in four nights run against the team they started this stretch with by hosting the New Jersey Devils. Last Friday night's win over the Caps was the ninth in a row for the Devils who saw that winning streak end last night in New York when the Rangers posted a 1-0 win over New Jersey just 30 seconds into overtime.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

Open Source Intelligence:

Newark Star-Ledger: not happy about losing, time off. The Record.

The Idiocy and Unprofessionalism of Larry Brooks:

New York Post.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

If there has been anything consistent about the Caps this season, it has been their inconsistent efforts. They'll play like they did Saturday night, clicking on all cylinders and running an opponent out of the building, and follow it up with at least a week of stinkers before winning another game. The Caps responded well to Bruce Boudreau's public tongue lashing so will they build on it or will they need Boudreau to rip them once again? Also who will be in goal tonight? Both teams have played three games in four nights so will Olie Kolzig and Martin Brodeur give way to Brent Johnson and Kevin Weekes? Normally knowing you're facing the backup who hasn't played in a month and has a losing record against you is (2-13 and one actual tie, remember those?) is cause for hope. But with the way this Caps season has gone, nothing is really certain right now other than A.O. leading the team in scoring and Steve Eminger sitting in the press box.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 3
Devils 2
Winner by Semin

(18-11 on the season)