Where We Are: Ah, was it really just three games ago that we blew a four goal lead to Alexander Ovechkin in yet another utter Garden embarrassment? Since then they put in a piss poor effort against the Devils and a win against the Islanders that was anything but reassuring that we are better than the worst team in the NHL. But since then, the team has had four days off to celebrate the holiday and practice. Could a new year bring in a new team?
Where They Are: Oh, the Caps are just one of the hottest teams in the league right now having won five straight and 10 of their last 11. And they are facing us on their home ice, where they are 16-1-1 this season. Dammit.
Who To Watch For: Despite the continual barrage of Cindy Crosby advertising during the Winter Classic, Washington's Alexander Ovechkin is by far the best player on the ice. Sadly he wasn't born in North America and looks a little bit like Captain Caveman. The Caps' other Alex, Semin, is back skating after having a back injury but isn't likely to play against us. Neither is my boy Tom Poti, but you never know as he is listed day-to-day with a groin problem. Man, sometimes the jokes write themselves.
What To Watch For: See if Ovie shows any tentativeness after nearly killing Jamie Heward. He was shaken after that game, and perhaps it will hold over through Saturday. I doubt it but you never know. Also see if Mike Green can break through and keep his scoring streak going - he has four points in three games since returning from injury. He will be huge on the Caps power play, which is one of the best in the league at 23.1%. They are facing the NHL's best kill at 88.2% but four days off may make the legs heavy ...What We'll (Hopefully) See: Another huge game by the Ranger youth. Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes and Lauri Korpikoski were all fantastic against the Isles on Monday and hopefully their energy will invigorate or embarrass the Ranger vets into showing up.
Also Check Out: The Caps have arguably the best blogbase around the league in terms of skill, info and access - if only because of their owner Ted Leonsis, who has his own well-maintained page. Probably the best not owned by him are personal fav Japer's Rink, On Frozen Blog and the diverse DC sports blog Off Wing Opinion.
As always, I recommend people check out Sam Weinman's Ranger Report and Steve Zipay's Blue Notes.
4 comments:
As i look around the league and see teams like the caps, bruins, hawks, i'm really envious of their situations. I might be doom and gloom but with the moves sather has made and their cap situation is a real worry. I was at the game against washington last week, i dont think i can witness a fiasco like that again this season.
I believe Semin is going to play tonight. He is supposed to be taking the pre-game skate and he skated hard this morning in practice. Boudreau is hoping he can go tonight and they already sent down Chris Bourque so there is an open roster spot waiting for Semin if he is able to return. Can't wait to be at the Verizon Center tonight, it should be a good one!
P.S. - i found this blog through yahoo! sports nhl's section and it's very entertaining! keep up the good work.
Manic - I am in the same boat. Sather has made things really tough for us to see a winner in New York ...
Caps - Thanks for the heads up on Semin and many thanks for the kind words. =op
Most definitely, i dont understand why nobody seems to notice the kind of whole Sathers put the team in after this summer. I dont understand how an owner of a team can't care about the condition of it. I'm not even sure if Dolan can name 8 players on the team.
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