Monday, October 9, 2017

Road warriors: 3 bold predictions

The Capitals have a tough October schedule, facing 8 of 12 opponents on the road.  Not long after barely squeaking out a win in Ottawa, the Capitals dominated the home opener against the Montreal Canadiens.  Tonight, they face their toughest test to date: the Tampa Lightning team led by a finally-healthy Steven Stamkos and the ever dangerous Nikita Kucherov.  The Bolts have plenty of scoring depth, one of the best defense corps in the league, led of course by Victor Hedman, and two solid goaltenders who are off to slow starts.  Oh, and super-pest (and four time Cup winner OH GOD WHY?) Chris Kunitz.  

Tampa is the early season favorite to represent the East in the Cup Final.

Here are three bold predictions for tonight's match:

1. The Capitals will score first, early, and often, but will lose

Specifically, the Caps will score at least 4 goals, but allow at least 5.  The Capitals third defensive pair has been shielded by facing two opponents without the scoring depth that Tampa has.  Tonight, they get exposed.  The penalty kill has been perfect thus far, but they will change tonight too: Tampa's speed will draw obstruction penalties and they will punish Grubauer, who will make his season debut tonight.  

2. The unsung heroes will lead the offense for the Capitals

Between the third and fourth lines, and half of the defense corps, there are plenty of options to choose from.  We are betting that a defenseman and the bottom six will combine for the majority of the Capitals offense tonight.

3. We will see our first fight of the season

This Tampa squad is fast.  Very fast.  We expect to see a physical affair led by plenty of forechecking and board play, as the Capitals try to slow the Bolts down.  Nathan Walker, looking to stick in the lineup, and Chris Kunitz, one of our many banes of existence, should meet to exchange pleasantries after one of the many, many big hits we will see the Caps throw.

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