Caps vs. Predators 10-16-2009 Preview

Washington Capitals (3-4; 8 points) vs. Nashville Predators (2-4; 4 points):
Caps Game #8, Home Game #5, NHL Game #98

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C., 7:07 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WFED 1500-AM. Nashville TV: None. Radio: WGFX 104.5-FM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight, with a four day break in the schedule looming, the Caps look to close out their three game homestand when they face the Nashville Predators for the only time this season. Last season the Caps swept the series against the Predators with a gimmick win at home and an overtime win in Nashville. After winning their first two games of the season, the Predators having lost four in a row including Thursday night's loss at home to the Blackhawks. In those four losses, Nashville has scored only two goals total, being shutout twice in the process.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com. AP Wire.

Open Source Intelligence:

Tennessean: Photo Essay on Nashville's struggles, defenseman out, defenseman recalled, At A Glance. Predators.com.

What Do We Expect Tonight?:

If we've learned anything over the years it is that there is no bigger recipe for disaster than taking your opponent lightly. Even if you end up winning in spite of a lackluster effort against a lesser opponent, bad habits can form that will eventually come back to haunt you. Luckily, just one game removed from a four game losing streak, the Caps shouldn't be in the position where they can take anyone lightly. The numbers are clearly in the Caps favor tonight. Nashville has allowed at least two goals in every game so far this season and have had little offense in their last four games. Bruce Boudreau has been looking for goal scoring outside of the top six forwards and tonight offers a good chance for the rest of the team to get on track. Like the home opener, this is the type of a game that should be over fairly quickly and will provide a measuring stick as to how much the team has matured.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 6
Predators 0
Winner by Steckel
(2-5 on the season)

Editorial Note For the Dozen Readers of This Blog:

Due to various past and present scheduling conflicts beyond our control, we will not be able to attend tonight's game nor watch at least the first period. Therefore, there will be no Post-Mortem later tonight.