Caps vs. Buffaslugs 4-6-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (28-53; 70 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall) vs. Buffaslugs (52-28; 111 points, 1st Northeast Division, 1st Eastern Conference, 1st Overall):
Caps Game #82, Home Game #42, NHL Game #1,214

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 1:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Loserville...er...Buffalo TV: MSG Network. Radio: WWGR 550-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Today one more time, with feeling, the Caps will hit the ice for the conclusion of a frustrating season looking to surpass last year's point total and match last year's win total. The Caps are taking on a Buffaslugs team who has also won their last two games. Loserville...er...Buffalo is closing out their season with two games on the road as they will be in Philly tomorrow afternoon.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times: Alexander Semin a star, disappointing end according to Mr. Sunshine. Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Buffalo News: Possible first round opponents, issues with NBC, cautious return.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Today?:

Well the Caps have a chance with a loss to end up with a guaranteed Top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. Something tells me that the Caps are going to need it because the Caps offseason took a big blow yesterday before it even started when Pavel Datsyuk signed an extension with Detroit. Talk about snakebit hockey teams. Anyway, the Caps are only playing for pride and numbers by which people will attempt to gauge their progress. The Buffaslugs on the other hand are playing for the cursed President's Trophy. Loserville...er...Buffalo is looking to win that for the first time in their history. A win today will wrap that up for them. The only real questions for today is who will win the Jaroslav "Yogi" Svejkovsky Award (for best performance against Loserville...er...Buffalo in a meaningless season ending game) and will the Caps employ a style that compel Buffaslug Whiner...er...Owner Tom Golisano to write another letter.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 3
Buffaslugs 5
Winner by Drury

Caps vs. Panther 4-3-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps @ Thrashers 4-4-2007 Preview

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post. (Don't forget about the Contest!) Times: Monumental night, Caps Report. Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Miami Herald. Panthers.com.

Final Thoughts:

We won't have too long to see if things have turned the corner. 80 down, 2 to go.


Washington Capitals (27-53; 68 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) @ Atlanta Thrashers (41-38; 93 points; 1st Southeast Division, 3rd Eastern Conference, 13th Overall):
Caps Game #81, Road Game #41, NHL Game #1,196

Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM Atlanta TV: SportSouth. Radio: The Fan 680-AM. Canadian National TV: TSN and RIS. NHL Center Ice: SportSouth feed.

Tonight the Caps hit the road for one last time this season as they visit the Atlanta Thrashers in the last Southeast Division game for the Caps this season. The Thrashers are coming off a 3-2 win in Boston and have won two in row since losing three straight.

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes. (How can the Caps be 0-4-1 in their last five?)

Open Source Intelligence:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP wire. TSN.ca.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

With three games left of their schedule, the Thrashers are one point up on Tampa Bay with a game in hand. Any kind of win tonight for the Thrashers will virtually give them the Southeast Division Title. The Thrashers loaded up for the playoff push at the deadline and have already qualified for the first time in franchise history. Thrashers have been awful lately on the road, winning only twice in their last six road games, both of them in Boston. However, they aren't playing this game on the road. They are at home where they have lost only twice since February 24th. Against a Caps team that hasn't won a road game since February 24th themselves (a span of 9 road games) and have the fewest road wins overall in the NHL, things don't look very bright for the Caps tonight.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 2
Thrashers 4
Winner by Holik

Caps vs. Panthers 4-3-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (26-53; 66 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) vs. Florida Panthers (30-45; 83 points; 4th Southeast Division, 12th Eastern Conference, 21st Overall):
Caps Game #80, Home Game #40, NHL Game #1,184

Verizon Center, Washington, DC 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Flordia TV: None. Radio: WQAM 560-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

The light at the end of the tunnel is in sight for the Capitals. Today they play their penultimate home game by hosting the Florida Panthers. After defeating the Caps in overtime last Friday night, the Panthers blew a two goal lead in the third period to lose 4-3 in overtime. The Panthers are starting a three game road trip tonight in Washington to close out their season.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Miami Herald.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Try as they might, the Caps have been unable to finish off this season with a push like they did last season. Whatever the reason is for that is not important but it does add to the list of problems for this team heading into the offseason. Any kind of loss by the Panthers tonight or any point earned by Montreal will officially eliminate the Panthers from the playoffs. So this could very well be two teams just trying to run out the clock tonight.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 4
Panthers 3
Winner by Semin

Caps @ Panthers 3-30-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps @ Ning 3-31-2007 Preview

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post. Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Miami Herald. Panthers.com.

Final Thoughts:

The more I think about it, the more last night's disallowed goal exemplifies the Caps season. A better bounce (or better eyes in Toronto) or two and there isn't this pall cast over this team. 78 down, 4 to go.


Washington Capitals (26-52; 66 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (42-36; 88 points; 2nd Southeast Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 14th Overall):
Caps Game #79, Road Game #40, NHL Game #1,172

St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL. 7:35 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Tampa TV: Sunshine Network. Radio: WDAE 620-AM. NHL Center Ice: Sunshine Network feed.

Tonight the Caps play for the last time in the state of Florida this season when they face the Ning in Tampa. The point the Caps earned last night moved them up one spot in the overall standings but they can finish no better than 24th overall and no worse than 29th. The Ning however are still in the hunt for the Southeast Division Title but have not yet wrapped up a playoff spot. Since the 7-1 smackdown in the Phone Booth, the Ning have gone 3-2 including last night's big win over the Canes in Raleigh.

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

St. Petersburg Times: Big goal, big win, not for sale. Tampa Tribune: Ning battles back, still not for sale. Ning.com.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

In addition to the usual litany of staying out of the penalty box and getting goals on the Power Play, the Caps tonight will have to find a way to battle through the poor officiating and bad bounces and bounce back tonight and take advantage of a team coming off an emotional win. The Ning could be ripe for the picking tonight after last night's big win despite looking to avenge the 7-1 beatdown from 13 days ago. A Caps win in regulation tonight helps the Thrashers extend their lead over the Ning and puts the Rangers well within striking distance of the Ning for 6th overall.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 2
Ning 5
Winner by Richards

Editorial Note For The Loyal Readers Of This Blog:

A good friend of mine is in town and we'll be getting together later today for dinner. While we plan on hitting a sports bar somewhere in the Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, I may not be able to watch tonight's game because of the Whats? Final Four game later tonight. That being said, there's a good chance that there will not be a Post-Mortem tonight, especially if my Grandmother's Ohio State Buckeyes dispatch the Whats? tonight.

Caps @ Panthers 3-30-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (26-51; 65 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) @ Florida Panthers (33-44; 80 points; 4th Southeast Division, 12th Eastern Conference, 21st Overall):
Caps Game #78, Road Game #39, NHL Game #1,161

BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, FL. 7:35 pm. Washington TV: WDCW Channel 50. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Florida TV: Fox Sportsnet Florida. Radio: WQAM 560-AM. NHL Center Ice: Fox Sportsnet Florida feed.

Tonight the Caps hit the road for back-to-back games in sunny Florida. The Caps play the Panthers in Sunrise tonight looking to salvage a little bit of pride and lock the Flyers into last place in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers are all but eliminated from playoff contention at six points out with five games to go. The Panthers have only won twice in their last five games.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. (Don't forget about the Contest!) Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Miami Herald.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Since the start of the New Year the Caps simply have not come to play against the Florida Panthers and as a result, the Panthers feel that they can beat the Caps anywhere at any time. With the way the Caps have been playing of late, why should tonight be any different?

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 1
Panther 6
Winner by Jokinen

Caps vs. Penguin Scum 3-27-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (26-50; 65 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) vs. Pittsburgh Penguin Scum (43-33; 96 points; 2nd Atlantic Division, 5th Eastern Conference, 11th Overall):
Caps Game #77, Home Game #39, NHL Game #1,134

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Pittsburgh TV: Fox Sportsnet Pittsburgh. Radio: WXDX 105.9-FM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps come back home before heading out for two more games on the road. While the Caps have lost three in a row, they've won their last two on home ice. The Penguin Scum however have won two in a row themselves after dropping two consecutive games and start a three game road trip tonight.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. (Don't forget about the Contest!) Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Road warriors (it's an accounting trick), "historical" hat trick. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Elbows Malkin-Lindros shooting for an award (not the Lady Byng), ticket sales, career-high, scouting the Caps. Penguin Scum.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

A long caravan of mullets will be making its way down I-270 tonight into the city as the Bandwagon Penguin Scum fans finally have something to cheer about as they sit tied atop the worst Division in the NHL. Only New Jersey and Nashville have more wins in their Division than the Penguin Scum do. This is a team that, like the Caps early on in the season, is flying high with confidence right now. However their goaltending is more than suspect as Jocelyn Thibault and Marc-Andre Fleury have been tag teaming the job in recent weeks. Thibault is not the answer and Fleury is a well known choker. The Caps have a chance to spoil the Penguin Scum's designs on clinching a playoff spot tonight. When the Caps win in regulation, the Penguin Scum will be prevented from locking up a playoff spot. A win in regulation will also help the Devils who are tied with the Penguin Scum atop the Atlantic Division with a game in hand. The Senators are two points ahead of the Penguin Scum for fourth place. Both New Jersey and Ottawa are in action tonight as the Devils visit the Islanders (any Islanders loss combined with any Penguin Scum win or an Islanders loss in regulation combined with a Penguin Scum overtime or gimmick loss puts the Penguin Scum into the playoffs) and Ottawa hosts Boston.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 6
Penguin Scum 3
Winner by Ovechkin

Caps @ Canadiens 3-24-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (26-49; 65 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) @ Montreal Canadiens (38-37; 82 points; 3rd Northeast Division, 9th Eastern Conference, 18th Overall):
Caps Game #76, Road Game #38, NHL Game #1,121

Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Montreal TV: None. Radio: CJAD 800-AM. Canadian National TV: RDS (in French). NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps finish off a three games in four nights road trip in Montreal. The Caps still haven't won on the road for exactly one month losing six in a row on the road and their last two overall. Montreal is involved in a death struggle for the last playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens have won their last six games at home and three overall. In their most recent outing, the Canadiens won 6-3 in Boston.

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Montreal Gazette: Dangerous opponent, flu bug hurts season. Canadiens.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

The Caps fortunes tonight will rest upon whether or not the Caps can stay out the Penalty Box. That will mostly be up to who the officials are tonight. The Caps are still working out the penalty killing while Montreal is ranked #1 overall on the Power Play. A Caps win in regulation tonight will provide help to the Hurricanes and Rangers who are all tied for 7th in the Eastern Conference with the Habs giving up a game in hand to both teams. The Islanders trail by one point but have two games in hand on the Canadiens and Maple Leafs are two points behind with a game in hand on Montreal.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 3
Canadiens 5
Winner by Souray

Editorial Note For The Loyal Readers of This Blog:

Due to a prior engagement, I will not be able to watch tonight's game. Therefore, there will be no post-mortem after tonight's game.

Caps @ Buffaslugs 3-21-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps @ Canes 3-22-2007 Preview

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post. Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Buffalo News: Streak over, Power restored. Buffaslugs.com.

Final Thoughts:

I'm beginning to wonder if a self-fulling prophecy is forming. The Caps have beaten these guys and have been able to stay with them. I'm not saying that the Caps are as good as the Buffaslugs, not by a long shot, but this tome of "they had no chance" is getting a little old. The Caps weren't totally outclassed or run out of the building. 74 down, 8 to go.


Washington Capitals (26-48; 65 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall) @ Carolina Hurricanes (36-37; 80 points; 3rd Southeast Division, 8th Eastern Conference, 17th Overall):
Caps Game #75, Road Game #37, NHL Game #1,103

RBC Center, Raleigh, NC. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Carolina TV: Fox Sportsnet South. Radio: WWMY 102.9-FM. NHL Center Ice: Fox Sporstnet South feed.

Tonight the Caps sit on the brink of official playoff elimination as any kind of loss tonight will formally eliminate the Caps from making the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The opponent tonight is the Carolina Hurricanes. The last time the Caps faced the Canes, the Canes pitched a 3-0 shutout at the Caps. The Canes have split the four games since then with their most recent outing being a 7-2 beatdown of the Devils in the New Jersey swamps.

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

The Other Side:

Raleigh News & Observer: Final countdown, Eye on the Canes. Durham Herald-Sun. Canes.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

The last time these two teams met, the Canes were holding onto the playoffs by a thread. While the Canes are in a better position now than they were 12 days ago, they are by no means out of the woods yet. If the Canes play like they are capable of, the Caps are in trouble, no matter what lineup the Caps put out there. A Caps win in regulation would help a host of teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Toronto and Montreal are tied with Carolina. The Canes have the tiebreaker on both teams and a game in hand on Montreal. The Islanders trail the Canes by one point but have a game in hand on the Canes. The Rangers are three points up on Carolina but the Canes have a game in hand on them. I hope you memorized all of that because there will be a quiz later.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 3
Canes 2
Winner by Semin

Editorial Note For The Loyal Readers Of This Blog:

Once again a meeting a church has been scheduled in conflict with the game tonight. Therefore because I will miss a large portion of the game, there will be no post-mortem later tonight.

Caps @ Buffaslugs 3-21-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (26-47; 65 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern, Conference, 26th Overall) @ Buffaslugs (46-26; 99 points, 1st Northeast Division, 1st Eastern Conference, 2nd Overall):
Caps Game #74, Road Game #36, NHL Game #1,096

HSBC Arena, Loserville...er... Buffalo, NY. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Loserville...er... Buffalo TV: MSG Network. Radio: WWGR 550-AM. Canadian National TV: TSN. NHL Center Ice: MSG Network feed (I'm sorry).

Fresh off back-to-back wins at home, tonight the Caps start a three games in four nights road trip in good old Loserville...er... Buffalo. Our old Buffaslug friends have lost their last three games at home and are coming of a 4-3 overtime loss to the Atlanta Thrashers this past Sunday afternoon. The Caps on the other hand have lost their last four road games.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Buffalo News: Zubrus wings it, returning players. Buffaslugs.com. Buffaslugs.com .pdf game notes.

Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

The Caps offense has finally broken back out and what makes it all the more encouraging is that A.O. is not part of the renaissance. The Buffaslugs have been up and down recently so the Caps have a good chance tonight. The Buffaslugs broke a four game losing streak last Thursday night and won back-to-back games in Florida before losing in overtime on Sunday. However, there isn't much for the Caps to spoil tonight. The Buffaslugs have sewn up a playoff spot and have comfortable leads in their Division and in the Conference. The only thing a Caps win in regulation tonight would do is keep the Buffaslugs one point behind Nashville in the race for the President's trophy. The key is to get out early on the Buffaslugs, when the Caps beat them in December the Caps chased Ryan Miller after 3 goals on 9 shots in the first 8 minutes of the first period. The Buffaslugs returned the favor right after Christmas chasing Brent Johnson with four goals on six shots in seven and half minutes of work.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 4
Buffaslugs 6
Winner by Drury.

Caps vs. Ning 3-18-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (25-47; 63 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-33; 82 points; 2nd Southeast Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 14th Overall):
Caps Game #73, Home Game #38, NHL Game #1,080

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 1:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Tampa TV: Sunshine Network. Radio: WDAE 620-AM. Canadian National TV: NHL Network. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

The Caps wrap up a three games in four days and a quick two game homestand by hosting the Ning this afternoon at the Phone Booth. The Ning are still in a dogfight with the Atlanta Thrashers for the Southeast Division title that looks to go down to the wire. The Ning are two points back but have a game in hand on the Thrashers who host the Buffaslugs this afternoon. The Ning have lost two in a row by a score of 3-2 including Friday night's game in Tampa against the Buffaslugs. After today's game, the Ning have only two of their remaining nine games on road as they open up a four game homestand Tuesday night.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com. Street closings today (Pay close attention, there will be a quiz later.)

Open Source Intelligence:

St. Petersburg Times. Tampa Tribune. Ning.com. (Don't worry, it should change, they've been using the same page all season)

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Today?:

The Caps won on Friday night. If they win again today it will be two in a row. If they win again today and on Wednesday it will be three in a row. It's called a winning streak and it has happened in the past... The Caps are not officially eliminated from the playoffs yet and the Ning are looking to secure home ice for a probable first round matchup with the Thrashers. The Caps are once again fighting the injury bug as Brian Sutherby is gone now with a thumb injury so the odds increase on this team more.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 2
Ning 3
Winner by St. Louis

Caps @ Bruins 3-15-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps vs. Maple Leafs 3-16-2007 Preview

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Boston Globe: Another gimmick win, moving moment. Boston Herald: Vital gimmick win, potential goal scorer, slow starting. Bruins.com.

Final Thoughts:

71 down, 11 mercifully left to go.


Washington Capitals (24-47; 61 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (34-36; 77 points; 3rd Northeast Division, 9th Eastern Conference, 17th Overall):
Caps Game #72, Home Game #37, NHL Game #1,063

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Toronto TV: LEAFS TV. Radio: CFMJ 640-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight Caps attempt to break their losing streak against the pushovers from Toronto. The Maple Leafs shutout the Caps 3-0 on their home ice last Tuesday night and have won two of the three games since then and have only lost twice in five games since Cam Janssen knocked out Tomas Kaberle.

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Toronto Globe and Mail: More injuries, Kaberle still out. Toronto Star: Chance at history, Kaberle optimism, preview. Toronto Sun: Tucker no fool, Peca's experience at losing in the playoffs, Kaberle skates. Leafs.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Can the Caps lose all of their remaining games? It certainly seems that way but there are too many games left in this season and the law of averages says that they won't. At some point in time, pride has to take over and total team effort to end the losing streak will emerge. Toronto has been off since Tuesday night's 3-2 win over the Ning in Toronto and they have were waiting in D.C. last night while the Caps were in Boston. A Caps win in regulation tonight will greatly assist the Hurricanes who currently hold the 8th and final playoff in the east by one point over Toronto. However, the Leafs have two games in hand on Carolina.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 3
Leafs 5
Winner by Tucker

Caps @ Bruins 3-15-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-46; 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) @ Boston Bruins (33-36; 71 points, 5th Northeast Division, 12th Eastern Conference, 21st Overall):
Caps Game #71, Road Game #35, NHL Game #1,053

T.D. Banknorth Garden, Boston, MA. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Boston TV: NESN Radio: WWBZ 1030-AM. NHL Center Ice: NESN feed.

Tonight the Caps kick off a set of back-to-back and three games in four days with a visit to Boston to play the Bruins. The Caps have lost all three games so far to Boston this season 3-2 with the two at the Phone Booth going to a gimmick and the one in Boston ending in overtime on a Power Play. The Bruins are coming off a 6-3 victory in Detroit but have lost three of their last five games.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Boston Globe. Boston Herald: Need to show up, Scouting report.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Tonight brings the triumphant return of Olie Kolzig to the crease and not a moment too soon. Yeah, the Caps are all but eliminated from making the playoffs, (only the Flyers, Coyotes, and Kings have that distinction) but the Caps have lost 8 in a row and 14 of their last 15 games. Simply put, the Caps need a win tonight for morale purposes and solid goaltending will give them a very good chance. The Bruins are still dreaming about making the playoffs despite being seven points out of 8th place but they hold two games in hand on Carolina. A Caps win tonight in regulation will be a devasting blow to the Bruins fleeting playoff chances.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 2
Bruins 3
Winner by Savard

Caps @ Islanders 3-10-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps @ Thrashers 3-12-2007 Preview

Sorry folks, I had issues with the pooter at home yesterday. I blame the idiots in Congress who messed with Daylight Savings Time...

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post. Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

The Other Side:

New York Daily News. New York Newsday. New York Post. Islanders.com.

Final Thoughts:

You had to know it was only a matter of time before the Islanders turned themselves into the victim of the Chris Simon incident. Sorry guys, Brendan Witt dove after the punch from Mr. Donald Brashear because us Caps fans are used to seeing Witt take those kinds of shots and, not only remain standing, but keeping his head cocked back in place. 69 down, 13 to go.


Washington Capitals (24-45: 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 27th Overall) @ Atlanta Thrashers (36-34; 82 points; 2nd Southeast Division, 6th Eastern Conference, 14th Overall):
Caps Game #70, Road Game #34, NHL Game #1,036

Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: None. Radio: WTEM 980- AM Atlanta TV: None. Radio: The Fan 680-AM. U.S. National TV: Versus. Canadian National TV: TSN, RDS (in French). NHL Center Ice: Not needed tonight.

The Caps take their spoiler tour tonight to Atlanta to wrap up a three games in four nights run and their appearances on National television for the season. The Thrashers are coming off a bad 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida. That loss ended a four game winning streak for the Thrashers and knocked Atlanta out of first place in the Southeast Division.

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire. TSN.ca

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

As the pressure is increasing, the once high-flying Thrashers are starting to show some cracks. They have been caught by Ning for the Southeast Division lead and because they are looking like the team that folded down the stretch last year, they hit the panic button at the deadline acquiring players to ensure that they do make the playoffs. At this point, only a total collapse on the part of Atlanta will keep them from making the playoffs, but their lack of serious leadership will continue to haunt them. A Caps win in regulation tonight helps the Ning who are tied with Atlanta but have the tie breaker over the Thrashers.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 2
Thrashers 5
Winner by Kovalchuk

Editorial Note For The Loyal Readers Of This Blog:

For what I hope will be the final time in the 2006-2007 season, class will be interfering with my ability to watch tonight's game. Therefore, there will be no Post-Mortem later tonight.

Caps vs. Canes 3-9-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps @ Islanders 3-10-2007 Preview

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post. Times: Caps leveled, Caps report. Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Raleigh News & Observer: Team effort, the right call.

Final Thoughts:

Well if there is a bright spot from last night's game, it is that we will no longer have to suffer through another John Erskine Bowles performance this season. In fairness to Erskine Bowles, he was playing a pretty good game until his moment of stupidity kicked in and he ended up hurting himself. Anyway though, 68 down, 14 to go.


Washington Capitals (24-44; 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall) @ New York Islanders (33-34; 73 points; 3rd Atlantic Division, 7th Eastern Conference, 15th Overall):
Caps Game #69, Road Game #33, NHL Game #1,024

Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY 7:05 pm. Washington TV: WDCW Channel 50. Radio: WBIG 100.3-FM (Yeah, you read that right, WTEM is carrying College Basketball Conference tournaments all day including the What's? Big Least Championship game tonight and WTNT has the Bullets. So, just be glad it is a signal you can pick up). New York TV: Fox Sportsnet New York "Deux." Radio: WBBR 1130-AM. NHL Center Ice: Fox Sporstnet New York "Deux" feed.

Forget trying to win, the Caps tonight head out on the road looking to just score a goal against the last team to allow them one. Since beating the Caps 6-2 at the Phone Booth last Saturday night, the Islanders dropped a home-and-home to the Rangers. Both games ended 2-1 with Monday's game in the Garden ending in a gimmick and Thursday night's was the infamous game where Chris Simon mistook Ryan Hollweg's head for a softball. Updating other former Caps now on Long Island, D.C. hero Richard Zednik was a healthy scratch Thursday night. (That didn't take long...)

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

New York Daily News: League's big stick, use your head. New York Times (could be a work of fiction though). Islanders.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

It does not matter who wins or who loses tonight, the big story surrounding this game will be the punishment that former Cap, current Islander Chris Simon receives from the NHL Front Office today. In addition to playing a team out of playoff contention, the Islanders are also going to have to deal with that distraction as well. The Islanders have been playing up and down recently but are solidly in a playoff position right now. A Caps win in regulation would be a big boost to the Ning who lead the Islanders by four point but the Islanders have two games in hand. The Canes could also use a Caps victory in regulation as they trail the Islanders by one point but are giving up two games in hand to the Islanders as well. The Rangers and Leafs are three points back of the Islanders and are currently out of the playoffs right now.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 3
Islanders 2
Winner by Novotny

Caps vs. Canes 3-9-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-43; 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 26th Overall) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (33-35; 73 points; 3rd Southeast Division, 9th Eastern Conference, 18th Overall):
Caps Game #68, Home Game #36, NHL Game #1,014

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Carolina TV: Fox Sportsnet South. Radio: WWMY 102.9-FM. Canadian National TV: NHL Network. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps kick off a set of back-to-back games and three games in four night in three cities by hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina is tied with the New York Rangers and Maple Leafs for the last Eastern Conference playoff spot but are giving up a game in hand to the Rangers. The Canes have been off for the past four days and have lost three of their last four games, beating only the Penguin Scum in the process.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Raleigh News & Observer: Seeking power, Eye on the Canes. Canes.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Long layoffs aren't good for hockey teams. While the Canes certainly have some much needed rest, they also now have some much unneeded rust. Because the Canes need every point they can get their hands on, expect the Canes to play a desperate game early and bunker in late if the game is tied or if they lead by a single goal. The Caps could use a repeat of the January 27th meeting where they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and went on to win 7-3. Doing so will help out the Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Canadiens in the fight for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 2
Canes 6
Winner by Staal

Caps @ Leafs 3-6-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-42; 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (31-35; 71 points; 4th Northeast Division, 11th Eastern Conference, 19th Overall):
Caps Game #67, Road Game #32, NHL Game: #994

Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 7:35 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Toronto TV: LEAFS TV. Radio: CFMJ 640-AM. NHL Center Ice: LEAFS TV feed.

After losing four in a row at home, tonight the Caps are in Toronto searching for their first back-to-back wins on the road since December when they beat the Thrashers in OT 3-2 on December 15th and the Maple Leafs on December 23rd by the same score in regulation. They're facing a Maple Leafs team that is coming off a 3-1 loss to the Buffaslugs on home ice this past Saturday night and has lost three of its last four games.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes.

Open Source Intelligence:

Toronto Globe & Mail. Toronto Star. Toronto Sun: Kubina wants to play, Leafs outside. Maple Leafs.com does not have preview posted yet.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

I think we can officially say that the Caps are looking towards next season now that Mike Green has finally been recalled. The Caps are actually now only two points ahead of Columbus for 25th overall and more losses will move them into a top 5 draft pick soon. The Leafs are tied with the Rangers and both are two points out of 8th place. Should the Leafs win tonight, they will move into a tie for 8th with Carolina while still holding a game in hand on the defending champs. In the two earlier matchups this year, the visiting team has won however much more is on the line tonight than there was in November and December.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 3
Leafs 5
Winner by Sundin

Caps vs. Islanders 3-3-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-41; 60 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) vs. New York Islanders (32-32; 73 points, 3rd Atlantic Division, 8th Eastern Conference, 16th Overall):
Caps Game #66, Home Game #35, NHL Game #978

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. New York TV: Fox Sportsnet New York. Radio: WBBR 1130-AM. National TV: HD-NET. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SporstNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Tonight the Caps wrap up a four game homestand looking to salvage at least one win out of the four. They're hosting the New York Islanders who had their four game winning streak snapped by the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in overtime on Long Island Thursday night. After tonight, the Caps have just six games at home against ten on the road. So your chances of watching the Caps in person this season is becoming remote.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times: Injury bug, Caps update. Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

New York Post. Newsday.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Well, after getting the blueline healed, the injury bug has struck the forward ranks and now the Caps look to be without Matt "Princess" Pettinger for the rest of the season and Boyd Gordon for most of the remainder. Add in Eric Fehr's lingering back injury, Captain Chris Clark's injury, along with the trades earlier this week and the Caps scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with 12 forwards. The Caps are in another game where they can play spoiler. A win in regulation tonight will help out the Canes the most as Carolina holds onto the 7th seed by virtue of a tiebreaker, however the Isles have three games in hand. Montreal and Toronto are also pulling for the Caps tonight.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 4
Isles 5
Winner by Smyth

Editorial Note For The Loyal Readers Of This Blog:

Once again and what I hope for the final time this season, work commitments will likely prevent me from watching all of tonight's game. Because I am likely to miss some if not most of the first period, it is unlikely that there will be Post-Mortem later tonight.

Caps vs. Ning 3-1-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-40; 59 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (36-29; 76 points, 1st Southeast Division, 3rd Eastern Conference, 12th Overall):
Caps Game #65, Home Game #34, NHL Game #960

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTEM 980-AM. Tampa TV: Sunshine Network. Radio: WDAE 620-AM. National TV: HD-NET. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

And despite all the dire predictions of doom and gloom after the trading of the beloved Dainius Zubrus, Richard Zednik, Jamie "Home Run" Heward, Lawrence Nycholat, and Timo Helbling; the sun has risen once again. That means that the Caps will have to face the Southeast Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning tonight without those vital cogs of a Stanley Cup contender. The Ning are starting a 6 game road trip tonight because of the All Carolina Conference Tournament taking place in their building next weekend. The Ning are coming off a 2-1 loss on home ice to Dallas Stars on Tuesday night but have been going back and forth between wins and losses in their last four games.

What The Natives Are Saying?:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

St. Petersburg Times: Defending the defenders, looking for a fourth. Tampa Tribune: Long trip, think Dan Snyder charges too much for parking? Ning.com.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

With five weeks left in the season, the Caps have only three games against teams that are currently in the playoff picture. The Caps have an excellent opportunity to play spoiler against the 9 teams currently jockeying for playoff positioning. The Ning know that they have a long road ahead and are already talking about "taking things one game at a time" and "not looking past Washington." If the Caps can play like they did for last 57 minutes on Tuesday night, they shouldn't have many problems with the Ning.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 5
Ning 3
Winner by Semin

Caps vs. Panthers 2-27-2007 Preview

Washington Capitals (24-39; 58 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) vs. Florida Panthers (24-39; 61 points; 4th Southeast Division, 13th Eastern Conference, 24th Overall):
Caps Game #64, Home Game #33, NHL Game #945

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 7:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. Florida TV: Fox Sportsnet Florida. Radio: WQAM 560-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

With the trade deadline passing a few hours before tonight's game, the Caps face another team who is in sell mode in the Florida Panthers. The Caps haven't bothered to show up the last three times these teams have met losing in big and depressing fashion. The Panthers are coming off a Saturday night 7-2 shellacking of the Boston Bruins on home ice. Who will or won't take the ice for either team is a bit of mystery.

What The Natives Are Saying:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

Open Source Intelligence:

Miami Herald.

Neutral Views:

NHL.com AP Wire.

What Do I Expect Tonight?:

Games on deadline day always have a funny vibe. A player that has been traded at the deadline leaves a hole in the lineup and any players coming to the team aren't there yet for the game which leaves a sense of anticipation. With both the Caps and the Panthers in selling mode, there's more likely to be gaps in the lineup tonight than anticipation. The Caps haven't played very well against Florida recently and there's no reason why the Panthers shouldn't feel as if they have the Caps number right now. Given that the Caps haven't been putting forward great efforts and their recent inconsistency, I think this could be another long night for the home team.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 1
Panthers 4
Winner by Jokinen

Caps @ Devils 2-24-2007 Wrap Up/ Caps vs. Devils 2-25-2007 Preview

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post. Times. Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Newark Star-Ledger: Devils flat, Gomez drought. New York Daily News. New York Post. Record: Saw it coming, deadline looming. Devils.com.

Final Thoughts:

Good win, now comes the real test today. 62 down, 20 to go.


Washington Capitals (24-38; 58 points; 5th Southeast Division, 14th Eastern Conference, 25th Overall) vs. New Jersey Devils (38-24; 82 points; 1st Atlantic Division, 2nd Eastern Conference, 4th Overall):
Caps Game #63, Home Game #32, NHL Game #933

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 1:05 pm. Washington TV: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Radio: WTNT 570-AM. New Jersey TV: Fox Sportsnet New York. Radio: WFAN 660-AM. NHL Center Ice: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic feed.

Well that was so much fun yesterday, let's do it again today on our home ice (and there will be plenty of it around here today)! The Devils may or may not throw their backup goaltender, Scott Clemmensen at us today. Stay tuned to find out!

What The Natives Are Saying:

Caps.com. Caps.com .pdf game notes

Open Source Intelligence:

If I've figured things out right, the Devils.com Preview will be here once they put it up. Otherwise I have nothing for you other than the links above about yesterday's game.

What Do I Expect Today?:

Well, I don't expect a repeat of yesterday that's for sure. The Caps will have to once again take full advantage of the breaks that the Devils give them only the Devils are sure to give the Caps fewer chances than they got yesterday. The Caps need another convincing win here today in order to build any momentum for the remainder of the season.

Caps Nut Official Washington Hockey.com Predict The Score Contest Entry:

Caps 1
Devils 4
Winner by Gomez.

Editorial Note For The Loyal Readers Of This Blog:

Due to the doom currently enveloping the city, I will not be watching or attending today's game. I now must leave to go to the grocery store to stock up on bread, milk, toilet paper, and kitty litter. Once I have achieved my success in battle, I will then retreat to cower in a corner of my home to ride out the doom. I wish you all Godspeed and the best of luck! In other words, no Post-Mortem later today.