Caps vs. Devils 10-12-2009 Preview

Washington Capitals (2-3; 5 points) vs. New Jersey Devils (2-2; 4 points):
Caps Game #6, Home Game #3, NHL Game #67

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C., 7:07 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WFED 1500-AM. New Jersey TV: MSG Plus. Radio: WFAN 660-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, MSG Plus feeds.

Tonight the Caps look to end a three game losing streak when they open up an early season three game homestand by hosting the New Jersey Devils. The Caps were 2-2 against Joisey last season with both loses coming by way of the gimmick. The Devils are finishing off a three game road trip through the Southeast Division and have won the first two games on the jaunt. The most recent of which, a 3-2 win on Saturday night, came at the expense of the Florida Panthers.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com. AP Wire.

Open Source Intelligence:

The Record. The Star-Ledger.

What Do We Expect Tonight?:

Still riding the 37 year old Martin Brodeur in net, the Genius Manager Lou Lamoriello decided to bring back the originator of the neutral zone trap, Jacques Lemaire, as Head Coach this season. While Lemaire claims he'll open things up a bit on offense, don't expect the wide open free-wheeling style the Caps have been playing of late because Joisey can't match the Caps firepower. Tonight to is going to be an exercise in patience and frustration dissipation as we'll get a sense of how much the Caps are really willing to grind things out, at least early in the season. Aside from the obvious, staying out of the Penalty Box and playing the system as a team and not as individuals, the Caps also cannot afford to fall behind the Devils and let them fall into their trap system. A quick start tonight is vital as the Caps could really use a 2-0 lead after the first period.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 2
Devils 1
Winner by Knuble

(2-3 on the season)