Who: Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
Where: Verizon Center
When: Wednesday, February 19, 7:00 pm
Broadcast Info: CSN; FSN-NY; NHL Network (US)
Media Notes:
Caps Site
NHL.com
Washington Times
Washington Post
CBS Sports - Mike Green feature
A banged up blueline on one end of the rink, a recently hot goaltending tandem on the other, and Alex Ovechkin trolling the neutral zone just two goals shy of 50. Anyone else feeling a Washington offensive explosion coming on?
It would certainly be a nice change. In the last three games of the season series the Caps have dented the twine only six times, held at bay by Rick DiPietro and his quirky moves and a defense that has their number. In fact, since the lockout the Caps have scored three or more goals only three times, finding themselves outscored to the tune of 42-24 in that 11-game span.
Meanwhile the Islanders, who average the fewest goals per game in the league, have only failed to crack the three goal mark against the Caps three times - all losses - since 2005-06. Just another one of those little quirks that makes us love this team, though, right?
Things get a little more interesting this time around, though - and that's saying a lot when you're talking about a Caps-Isles throwdown.
The Islanders, despite going on a recent four game tear that has propelled them back into the playoff race, continue to lose bodies to injury. The most recent hit comes on the blue line, already weakened by injuries to Witt, Campoli and Gervais, as Andy Sutton went down with a torn hamstring and is out 4-6 weeks.
For the Caps, Tom Poti will likely be back in the lineup after missing the last two games with a bruised thigh. Ovechkin and Steckel are hopefully on the mend after recent bouts with the flu kept them in less than stellar shape and Ovechkin can attempt to regain the scoring lead with two (or more) points tonight. Damn that Malkin and his talent.
On a completely non-Caps related note, the Habs fan side of me just has to mention last night's historic Canadiens win. Montreal came back from being down 5-0 to tie the game and eventually win in the shootout, erasing a five goal deficit for the first time in franchise history and, as an added bonus, embarrassing the Rangers. That's just something everyone can celebrate, don't you think?
...I wonder what dress Jagr wears to eat humble pie.
2 comments:
Plus Witter's out tonight. So you guys have that going for you.
Hahahahahahahahaha Habs. I love how all fans of the league unite in their hate of the Rangers.
Did you see the Larry Brooks article in the Hockey News about how sad it was Jagr wasn't going to meet his goals for this year so the Caps would keep paying for him? I tried to compose a response and finally gave up because it had too many expletives.
Rangers SUCK!!
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