Caps/Devils pregame

We're headed up to New Jersey today, which is something we're going to be doing a lot more of once realignment goes through. Sigh. This is one of the new divisional opponents that I am maybe not thrilled about, sorry Jersey.

As Caps fans, we value entertainment--exciting, dynamic hockey, dazzling skill and nerve and beautiful plays. We don't know what the Devils are valuing, because it doesn't seem to be any of that.

But indifference is dangerous. It weakens us. Let's dig around and see if we can find some really good hate around here somewhere, because a la Peter Laviolette, Caps are at the point where every game needs to be burning in them right now. Let's light this shit on fire.

LEAPFROG MANEUVER AWARD

More important than anything is that if we beat the Devils tonight, we not only jump over them in the standings but also the Jets. This is important on account of I get antsy when we are out of playoffs standings, even when the playoffs are nowhere in sight. Eighth place is so much better than tenth place. 

PENALTY KILLINGEST MOTHERFUCKERS IN THE LAND

It is the Devils. 

They've killed ninety-six percent of PP chances on home ice. Ninety. Six. Oh my stars. Considering that our power play is just starting to come to life again like a precious tiny flower bud that needs to be protected, this could be a trial. We sure wish we had Mike Green right about now. Hey, why don't we have Mike Green, again? 

(via Washington Examiner)

OH YEAH. BECAUSE OF THE DEVILS. 

ON THE OTHER HAND WE COULD PROBABLY JUST WAIT FOR 

THEM TO GO ON THE POWER PLAY

Because they have given up TEN shorthanded goals on the season so far. Count 'em. Ten. May be some screws you want to tighten there, NJD--but of course not till we've left town, if it's all the same. 

CARLZNER AWARD

Our very favorite yin and yang are spending some extra quality time together on this road trip, Carlson apparently inviting Alzner to dinner at his house last night. Yes. Everyone approves of this. Please continue your slow fusion into a single entity, thanks in advance, and here's to some good old home cooking from Mrs. Captain America. 

HOT HAND AWARD

Michal Neuvirth has chosen to ascend beyond the level of human this month, so he gets the start again. Cool. I love both of our goalies in equal measure but guess what I love more than both of them combined? Winning hockey games. 

So let's do that, huh? We didn't end things on the greatest note with the Devils last time we saw them, and it's about time to set things straight. This is a team that belongs underneath your team in the standings, and tonight's one of those rare nights that they can directly make that happen. 

Let's go Caps.