Florida Panthers ready to dominate Washington Capitals – NHL Preview
Washington Capitals would have been in the safe zone by now had they won their last three games. With every defeat Capitals face, the other low ranked teams get a chance to improve their respective positions, which, in the end, might hurt the Capitals.
Hoping to break the shackles this time, Capitals are now visiting BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida, to face Florida Panthers in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Friday, February 17, 2012.
Panthers will certainly carry an edge on their home ice and the recent statistics of both the teams will justify this claim.
Capitals
Capitals are placed at ninth spot in the Eastern Conference with 61 points after 56 games and they just need to get past another team to reach the safe zone from where they will reach the playoffs.
But there is no smooth sailing and considering the fact that they have lost their last three games, the Capitals might not be rated as favourites against Panthers.
The recent defeats came against Winnipeg Jets (3-2 after shootout), New York Rangers (3-2) and San Jose Sharks (5-3).
With the game against Panthers, Capitals will kick off their four-game road trip.
Capitals’ centre, Marcus Johansson, said:
"This road trip is very important for us. We have to win more games than we are. It's getting tight now. We have to have a real good finish from here on until the end of the regular season. Every game is going to be very important, even more against a team
that we're really battling with for first place."
Panthers
Panthers just got their three-game winning streak snapped by Ottawa Senators, but they still hold an edge over Capitals.
However, the point of concern for the team is a drastic slump in the defence.
In the winning streak, Panthers only gave away one goal each in every game, but Senators outscored them by registering six scoring moves.
Panthers’ coach, Kevin Dineen, had every reason to feel disappointed. He said:
"We had a decent first period, but in the second, bang-bang. A couple goals against, and the rain kept falling from there. A very disappointing game in front of our home fans."
Panthers are ranked third in the Eastern Conference with 65 points after 56 games and they are expected to dominate Capitals, but the defensive unit needs to gear up.
Predictions
Panthers will win.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams is expected to stay under six.
The winning margin is expected to be less than two goals.
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