Caps @ Canadiens 1-29-2008 Preview

Washington Capitals (23-27; 51 points; 2nd Southeast Division, 10th Eastern Conference, 22nd Overall) @ Montreal Canadiens (26-23; 60 points; 2nd Northeast Division, 4th Eastern Conference, 5th Overall):
Caps Game #51, Road Game #26, NHL Game #761

Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 7:37 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic Plus. Radio: WWWT 1500-AM, 107.7-FM. Montreal TV: None. Radio: CJAD: 800-AM. Canadian National TV: RDS (French). NHL Center Ice: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic Plus feed.

Tonight the Caps return from the All-Star break by paying their last visit north of the border this season. The Caps and Canadiens meet for the third of four times this season with the road team winning in both games so far. Since the Caps won 5-4 in Overtime on January 5th, the Canadiens have won 6 of their 8 games including their last two in a row. In their last game before the All-Star break, Montreal got their first win in New Jersey in years when they beat the Devils 4-3.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

Open Source Intelligence:

The Gazette: optimistic, All-Star dud. Canadiens.com.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

When you're playing well, the last thing you want is a break and considering that both the Caps and Canadiens were both 7-3 in their last ten games heading into the All-Star break, the four day rest couldn't have come at a worse time for both teams. The break was certainly needed for the players to get some rest as the pace around the league will pick up as everybody is now looking at the playoffs and where they stand in the playoff picture. Tonight's game will be decided by who can get back in their groove the quickest, though the Caps would be well advised to stay out of the Penalty Box as Montreal has the 2nd best Power Play unit in the league. Penalties will help Montreal get in their groove pretty quickly.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 2
Canadiens 1
Winner by Semin

(29-21 on the season)