The Vancouver Canucks (8-4-1) will host the Washington Capitals (5-6-0) tonight at Rogers Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00pm.
The Caps are looking to improve their 2-3 road record and rebound from Saturday's 2-5 loss to the Calgary Flames. In the loss, Braden Holtby was yanked from the ice during the 1st period, after surrendering 3 goals on 14 shots. Neuvirth allowed an additional 2 goals on 19 shots in his replacement role. The two goals for the Caps were scored by Aaron Volpatti and Jason Chimera. Ovechkin was held pointless for the 3rd time in 11 games this season but is still leading the league in shots on goal and is tied for most goals atop the league with Alexander Steen (St. Louis Blues) at 10 each. Neuvirth is getting the nod from Oates tonight.
The Canucks look to extend their 3 game winning streak and are playing their first game at home since wrapping up their 7 game road trip which saw them go 5-1-1. Roberto Luongo is expected to get the start in net and has a 2.30 goals against average in 33 games against the Capitals. The Canucks have dominated the Caps in their most recent matchups. They've won the last 3 and 8 of the last 9 games played.
The Caps are going to have to play at their highest level tonight to slow down the talented Canucks team coached by John Tortorella. Hopefully the defense can make some crisp passes out of the zone to eliminate the dump n' chase. The Caps get more pucks to the net when they carry the puck across the blue line and look to set up plays and create. The defense will be put to the test early and often. It's time for the Caps to show they're better then their record suggests.
Note: Aaron Volpatti returns to Vancouver for his first time since the Canucks placed him on waivers last February. Canucks fans loved Volpatti's physical game and voiced their frustration to the Canucks GM Mike Gillis for giving the tough guy away. Let's hope Volpatti is in the line up and playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Zach's 3 Keys to the Game:
** Get on the board early- The Caps don't want to play "catch up" in this one. They should look to take the lead early, strip the momentum from this powerful Canucks team, and quiet their fans.
** Win the board battles- The battle of the boards could very well be the key to victory for the Caps. Look for Oates to deliver a heavy dose of the Chimera/Ward/Grabovski line. They are extremely good at winning the board battles and creating scoring opportunities from all three zones.
**Aggressive defense- The Canucks have a powerful/creative group of forwards. Our defense needs to hit hard and often and keep the puck to the boards. If they give Ryan Kesler and the Sedin brothers the center of the ice, the consequences could be deadly. Shot blocking will be key.
G O C A P S !
Zach
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