Caps vs. Blue Jackets 11-1-2009 Preview

Washington Capitals (8-5; 19 points) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (6-6; 13 points):
Caps Game #14, Home Game #8, NHL Game #193

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C., 5:07 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic Plus. Radio: WFED 1500-AM. Columbus TV: Fox Sportsnet Ohio. Radio: WBNS 1460-AM, WWCD 101.1-FM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic Plus, Fox Sportsnet Ohio feeds.
 
At some point today, the Caps wrap up a four games in six nights (or another three games in four nights depending on how you look at it) when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Last year, the Blue Jackets, (more like goaltender Steve Mason) gave the Caps fits as they twice shutout the Caps by a score of 3-0.  Columbus however has been struggling as of late.  They have lost three in a row and have given up at least three goals in their last six games.  The Blue Jackets had a 3-1 over the Penguin Scum for most of the third period on Friday night before losing 4-3 in a gimmick at home in their last outing.
 
What The Natives Are Saying:
 
(Com)Post: bulky Flash, long, strange, trip.  Times.  Caps.com.
 
Neutral Views:
 
NHL.com.  AP Wire.
 
Open Source Intelligence:
 
Columbus Dispatch.
 
What Do We Expect Today/This Afternoon/Tonight/Whatever?:
 
So the obviously big question today is, will the Caps score on Steve Mason?  We're leaning towards "yes" simply because he can't stop everything, he's eventually going to let one in.  However, Bruce Boudreau has a point.  Some players do really well against certain teams.  It doesn't matter how good or bad that team is, they rise to the occasion and give that particular opponent fits every time they face them.  If the Caps get shutout again by Steve Mason, it would be pretty safe to say that he has the Caps number.  The key for the Caps today is to play their game and not try to do something spectacular in an attempt to finally score on Mason.  In the past two games, the Caps have been their own worst enemy in trying to be too fancy and too cute to score goals.  Highlight reel goals count as much as the "ugly" goals do.  If the Caps are willing to score some ugly goals, they shouldn't have any problem in this game.
 
Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 4
Blue Jackets 3
Winner by Knuble
(5-8 on the season with one perfect game)