Game 3 Caps @ Flyers 4-15-2008 Preview

Series C: Washington Capitals (44-42; 94 points; 1st Southeast Division, 3rd Eastern Conference, 12th Overall) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (43-43; 95 points; 4th Atlantic Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 11th Overall):
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game #3, Caps Game #3, Road Game #1, NHL Game #133

Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA. 7:08 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WJFK 106.7-FM. Philadelphia TV: Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia. Radio: WWIP 610-AM. U.S. National TV: Versus. Canadian National TV: TSN. NHL Center Ice: None.

Tonight the Caps look to rebound after being shutout at home on Sunday and regain the lead the series with the Flyers. The Caps won both regular season games in Philadelphia this year in overtime.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post: repairs made, to do list. Times: revival, down and dirty, giving a response. Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire. NHL.com Series Page. TSN.ca Series Page. ESPN NHL Playoffs page.

Open Source Intelligence:

Philadelphia Daily News. Philadelphia Inquirer: handling the load, prior history, apology delivered, return tonight? Flyers.com.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

It didn't take long for the nattering nabobs of negativism to start crowing again. Sure, you could argue that the Caps have only played as hard as they need to play in the playoffs for only one out of the six period played so far but the series is tied at one game apiece. Philadelphia felt they played a perfect game on Sunday and they only won 2-0. Folks, we didn't want to say anything but these articles from Philadelphia that we've been reading for the past four days we've read before in our lives. We've read them in our own papers during our own ill-fated playoff runs in the past when we've been vainly trying to beat teams with more talent than us. Does this mean that the Caps are going to win this series? Not necessarily, but it does tell me that we're on the right track. Tonight the series shifts to that great sports town of Philadelphia where they are so into the Flyers right now they hadn't sold out tonight's game as of this morning as pairs of tickets in the lower level are still available. So if you have a few extra hours on your hands Caps fans, help out Philadelphia brethren out and give them a sellout for tonight. We happen to think that in some ways, the pressure is off the Caps now as they are playing on the road and don't have to keep their emotions in check from feeding off the energy and frenzy of the home crowd that bothers to show up. The Caps had another "mental health day" yesterday and have always responded well after being shutout. The only fear we have is that despite fighting the puck for most of Games 1 and 2 that Martin Biron gains confidence and his play improves. The Caps don't have to score first, but the earlier they do get to Biron, the better off they'll be.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 3
Flyers 2
Winner by Backstrom.