49 replies to this topic

[Erik C.]

Television:


Radio:

2011-12 Season Series

November 11, 2011	Newark	Capitals 3, Devils 1
November 12, 2011	Washington	Devils 3, Capitals 2, SO
December 23, 2011	Newark	Devils 4, Capitals 3, SO
March 2, 2012	Washington	Devils 5, Capitals 0

From NHL.com

Big story: Ex-Devils assistant coach Adam Oates brings his reeling Capitals into Prudential Center in desperate need of a win. Alex Ovechkin & Co. have allowed 14 goals while scoring only six in regulation losses to Tampa Bay, Winnipeg and Montreal. Ovechkin, who is trying to make the move to right wing, still hasn't scored and has just one assist.

Team Scope:

Capitals: All of Washington's problems were on display Thursday night against the Canadiens.

They couldn't score. They were penalty-prone, and their penalty kill was ineffective. Their power play couldn't convert. Ovechkin struggled. They weren't physical enough. They had only a few good scoring chances. Their defense suffered some breakdowns.

Oates is trying to implement a new system in D.C., but the Capitals don't have time to go through growing pains. They are the only team in the Eastern Conference without a win.

"I think it's embarrassing the way we played," Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom said after the loss Thursday night.

Devils: It's a completely different story for the defending Eastern Conference champions.

The Devils are getting goals (five in two games). They are defending well (only one goal allowed so far). Their Russian superstar, Ilya Kovalchuk, has contributed a team-high three points (goal and two assists). Their penalty kill has been good (9 for 10).

However, coach Peter DeBoer isn't sitting still. He changed the left wings on his top two lines at practice Thursday, moving Mattias Tedenby up to play with Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk while putting Dainius Zubrus with Patrik Elias and David Clarkson.

DeBoer, though, wouldn't marry himself to those changes.

"We're going to have a lineup meeting [Thursday] afternoon and talk about any potential changes," DeBoer said after practice. "We've won two in a row, so any changes you make you're not going to make lightly."

It's also possible that Krys Barch makes his Devils' debut on the fourth line Friday night. Cam Janssen would be the odd forward out if DeBoer calls on Barch.

Who's hot: Zajac and Clarkson have scored in both games while Kovalchuk is coming off a two-point game against the Flyers. Martin Brodeur made 24 saves Tuesday night for his 120th career shutout.

Capitals Injuries

Brooks Laich	Groin	May need a few more days before he returns skating
Jack Hillen	Left shoulder	Looks to be ahead of schedule for a return

Devils Injuries

Adam Henrique

Torn thumb ligament

Still a week to 10 days away

In Goal:



Season Record: 0-1-0, 4.00 GAA, .818 save percentage
Career Record vs. Devils: 4-1-2, 1.96 GAA, .930 save percentage
Last Game vs. Devils: March 2 in Washington: 59 MP, 18-23 in a loss
Last Game: Last night vs. Montreal: 60 MP, 15-20 in a loss



Season Record: 2-0-0, 0.50 GAA, .977 save percentage
Career Record vs. Capitals: 37-17-0 with 4 ties, 2.30 GAA, .907 save percentage
Last Game vs. Capitals: December 23, 2010 in Newark: 65 MP, 22-25 in a shootout win
Last Game: January 22 vs. Philadelphia: 60 MP, 24-24 in a win
Other notes: For those still keeping score, the shutout on Tuesday was Brodeur’s 120th of his career.

I now call upon that which is old...

This point has been edited by Erik C.: 25 January 2013 - 09:52 PM

[Erik C.]

We be updated.

[tonyd316sdmf]

I'm always torn who to cheer for in this game... I guess I'll cheer for the team who wins

[Erik C.]

[Erik C.]

Starting a little sluggish again.

[Erik C.]

Man, who do they have to kill to get some puck control?

[Erik C.]

Alright, make something happen now.

[Erik C.]

7 PPG allowed in 18 tries? Oh, you gotta take it to them then.

[Erik C.]

Bleech.

[Flipper]

So now Oates says the team has no work ethic (confirmed by Tom Poti...the work ethic thing not Oates statements today). Not a good sign at all.

[Erik C.]

Stay strong, PK. Doing good so far.

[Erik C.]

Oh, sweet. Jake had quite a few good moves there.

[Erik C.]

So now Oates says the team has no work ethic (confirmed by Tom Poti...the work ethic thing not Oates statements today). Not a good sign at all.

Although you wouldn't know it tonight so far, even though tonight started similarly to the Flyers game on Tuesday for the Devs.

This point has been edited by Erik C.: 25 January 2013 - 07:30 PM

[Erik C.]

That goal, by the way, was one second after Kovy's penalty ended.

[Erik C.]

Well, they finished strong.

I'm still not comfortable, though, for 2 reasons: it's only 1-0, and it's still the Capitals; they can break open any time.

[Flipper]

Well, they finished strong.

I'm still not comfortable, though, for 2 reasons: it's only 1-0, and it's still the Capitals; they can break open any time.

I wouldn't expect much on that front. They're still not impressing me.

[Erik C.]

I wouldn't expect much on that front. They're still not impressing me.

I hear ya on the pessimistic stance.

[Erik C.]

Keep adding on to the highlight reel, Marty.

That said, the defense have got to bail him out a little more often themselves. Give and take, ya know.

[Erik C.]

The game started with Teddy with Zajac and Kovy. Zubrus then came in a few shifts into the game. Now, Matteau gets a try. Nobody said it'd be easy to find a body in Parise's old spot.

[Erik C.]

heh

Gotta take advantage of that miscue.