The Week Ahead

Caps vs. Thrashers

The Caps will be traveling to Atlanta for their last game before the All-Star break. The Thrashers lead the series between the two teams this year 3 to 2, and have outscored the Caps 8-1 in the past 2 games. Hopefully that will change because Tampa Bay is creeping away with the division lead after winning their 5^th straight last night vs. the Maple Leafs.

Lately the Capitals’ defense and goaltending has been superb, but we cannot say the same about the offense. The Caps seem to be close to finding that scoring burst that happened last season. The Thrashers have won 1 of their last 8 games, and will be coming off a 3 day break. Both teams will be fighting for a win, with it being the last game before the break.

Where are the power play goals? Tonight could be the perfect opportunity for the Caps PP to get back on track. Atlanta has only killed 67% of power plays in their last 16 games allowing 19 goals. The Caps have only scored 1 power play goal in the last 8 games. I’m expecting an extra man twine tickle in Philips Arena from the Capitals. The puck drops at 7 you won’t want to miss it since it’s the last game for an entire week.

All-Star Weekend

Two friendly faces will be taking part in the festivities this weekend in Carolina, Mike Green and Alex Ovechkin. As stated before on the blog it will be Ovi’s 4^th, and Mike Green’s 1^st all-star appearance. Mike Green was also named as an alternate captain for Eric Staal’s team. Maybe he will convince that loser to pick Ovi first round and not his teammate Cam Ward. Regardless it will be cool to see the two partake in the draft, skills competition, and game.

Another fun fact about this weekend is that Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to be out because of injury. Sid the Kid is still hurt? Yes, Caps’ fans Crosby is still out due to that concussion he suffered from David Steckel on New Year’s Day. NO BIG DEAL!!!!!! Thank you Steckel, it is the gift that keeps on giving. Oh yeah and one more thing about Stecks. He currently leads the league in faceoff percentage with 64.2%.

All-Star Weekend Schedule on Versus

Friday Jan 28: Fantasy Draft @8 pm

Saturday Jan 29: Skills Competition @7pm

Sunday Jan 30: NHL All-Star Game @4pm