Caps Game Night
By: Brian McNally
Examiner Staff Writer
10/29/09 1:45 PM EDT
Game #12
Caps (7-2-2, 16 points) at Atlanta Thrashers (4-3-1, 9 points)
Déjà vu for the Caps, who were just at Philips Arena in Atlanta last Thursday for a wild 5-4 win. That game featured: a goal from about 150 feet by Caps defenseman Jeff Schultz; three Washington goals in 88 seconds in the second period; an Atlanta goalie change; a shorthanded goal allowed by the Caps; and a chaotic final two minutes where Washington kept taking penalties and the Thrashers kept pushing for the equalizer. Atlanta scored with 39 seconds left and then had a 6-on-4 advantage, but forward Max Afinogenov popped an easy scoring chance over the net. Oh – and the Caps also went 0-for-7 on the power play. It was the definition of an ugly win.
I’m going to go ahead and guarantee we won’t see a repeat of that one tonight. The Caps are seeking their sixth victory in a row. Atlanta will be without star forward Ilya Kovalchuk, who scored twice in that game last Thursday. He could be out as long as six weeks with a broken foot. Tough break for the Thrashers, who are still in second place in the Southeast Division, but followed that loss with another at home to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. They should be well rested though. Atlanta hasn’t played since. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Thrashers will likely start goalie Ondrej Pavelec in goal.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-thrashers-blog/2009/10/29/antropov-takes-part-in-thrashers-morning-skate/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_thrashers_blog
The 22-year-old was the one who allowed Schultz’ fluke goal and was pulled after giving up those three goals in 88 seconds. Semyon Varlamov will likely start in goal for the Caps. He had a shaky third period against the Thrashers last Thursday, but held on for the win. The Caps have held five of their last six opponents to two goals or less. Atlanta is the lone exception during that stretch.
Forward Tomas Fleischmann is back in the lineup for Washington. It’s his first appearance since last year thanks to a blood clot in his left leg. Fleischmann did play two games at AHL Hershey last weekend. But it’ll be interesting to see how much time on ice he gets tonight from coach Bruce Boudreau. Will depend some on game situations, but expect around 10 to 12 minutes. Not sure yet what line Fleischmann will play. Check back during the game for updates on Twitter – bmcnally14 – and on the blog between periods.
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