Caps vs. Canes 12-11-2009 Preview

Washington Capitals (19-12; 44 points) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7-23; 19 points):
Caps Game #32, Home Game #15, NHL Game #459

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WFED 1500-AM. Carolina TV: Fox Sportsnet Carolina. Radio: WCMC 99.9-FM.  NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight, the Caps make yet another one night pit stop at home before embarking on a road trip when they host the Carolina Hurricanes for the first time this year.  This is the second matchup between the Caps and Canes this season and return bout from the controversial meeting 11 days ago which led to A.O.'s two game suspension.  Lost in all the rigamarole was the fact that the Caps won that game, 3-2.  Since then, the Canes have played three times and winning just one of those games.  But it was a huge 3-2 win over the Penguin Scum on Monday night in Pittsburgh for Carolina's first win on the road this season.  The Canes reverted to form on Wednesday night, dropping at 4-2 decision in Joisey to the Devils.  This is the third game of a four game road trip for Carolina that wraps up tomorrow night in Ottawa.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post.  Caps.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com.  AP Wire.

Open Source Intelligence:

Sorry gang, we looked up couldn't find anything this morning.


What Do We Expect Tonight?:

Well folks, it looks as if the Caps could have up to three forwards returning to the lineup tonight and not a moment too soon as all three players bring various forms of energy to the team.  Energy is something this team could use right now as they seek to avoid letting Wednesday night's setup from turning into a slump.  Simply put, the Caps opponents tonight and tomorrow are not good hockey teams.  However, if the Caps do not show up to play, they could very easily lose both games before heading out for the first of two west coast swings.  So with Matt "Omar" Bradley, "Mighty Mouse" Mathieu Perreault, and possibly Mike Knuble all back tonight, it would be a full forward line coming back.  But no matter who is or isn't back and who does and does not play, the Caps will need to capitalize on the chances that they will get.  The Caps had some glorious opportunities on Wednesday night and for one reason or another, couldn't take advantage of them.  If the Caps can get up on the Canes early, they make this game tonight a lot easier on themselves.

Caps Nut Official Prediction:

Caps 5
Canes 2
Winner by Semin
(15-16 on the season with one perfect game)