Gameday Preview: Caps vs. Leafs

Who: Your Nation's Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Where: Air Canada Centre
When: Monday, October 29, 7:30 pm

Broadcast Info: CSN, 3WT; Leafs TV

Media Notes:
Caps Website
NHL.com
Washington Post
Washington Times
Toronto Star
Toronto Sun

Two beat up teams with mediocre records meet in a clash of the titans as the Caps venture north of the border for the first time this season. The Caps are potentially without captain Chris Clark, out with that lacerated ear just as he managed to start picking up points, and are almost definitely without the services of Alexander Semin (ankle) and Tom Poti (groin). Meanwhile the Leafs are missing Bryan McCabe...okay, maybe not missing, but he's injured. They're also without the services of Darcy Tucker, Kyle Wellwood and Carlo Colaiacovo.

Here's the difference. Even with the injuries the Leafs have played better these last few games, winning two straight against the Rangers and the Penguins - two teams the Caps were unable to defeat. Of course, they did lose to the Thrashers as well...but everyone has their moments. The Caps on the other hand haven't had a full roster since the home opener and it shows, dropping five of their last six after a 3-0 start.

Bottom line, the Caps need to find a way to score. They need to get the scoring from someone other than Ovie. And they need to remember how to play special teams - both of them. Without those three, no way do they pull off a win here. Sounds simple, right? We'll see.

I'm feeling very not creative today so...we won't be getting to know anyone on the Leafs today. Besides, without Darcy "Mother" Tucker in the lineup, what fun would it be?

Go Caps.