picture I took at Capitals @ Devils 11/11/11
Tonight will be the first meeting between these teams in 2012. The capitals, coming off a three game win-streak, go for number four at home tonight in front of expectedly yet another sell-out crowd. The Devils have hit a slump after starting strongly out the gates of the all-star break. On a four game losing streak, including being shut out by the ultimate rival, New York Rangers, New Jersey could not be more eager to leave Washington on top. The season-series is in favor of New Jersey, two wins to one. Neither team has won a game in their own building against these oppositions, although the Capitals have come out with at least one point in all of them. Because the Devils have won both of their games in shootouts, they have shared their point-winnings with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals.
There are a few players to watch in this game. Of course, Ilya Kovalchuk and Alex Ovechkin would be the names I will mention. Kovalchuk is heading into this game recording 54 points in 49 games against the Caps. And then there is great-8, Alex Ovechkin, who seems to be coming alive on the scoring sheet lately. Ovi has four points on the current three game winning streak for Washington. The deciding factor in this game will be the special teams. Washington's power-play has been extremely useless recently. The Capitals power-play converted on two of their last thirty-two attempts, and the Devils penalty-kill is the second highest-rated in the league. Jersey's Zach Parise and Ilya Kovulchuk must bring the Devils power play alive, as they have an even worse season-long percentage on their power-play compared to Washington. I believe if the Devils can have a strong power-play tonight, against a 20th-ranked Washington penalty kill, they will have a good chance to win tonight and take the season series, three wins to one. Every game from here to the end of the year is vital. New Jersey must make 'em count!
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