Caps Game Night – at Penguins, 2/21/11

Where » CONSOL Energy Center

When » 7:30 p.m.

TV » VERSUS HD

Radio » WFED-1500 AM

Final meeting of the season between the Caps and Penguins. Washington is 2-0-1 against Pittsburgh this season, including the Winter Classic victory on Jan. 1, and 9-0-2 in the series’ last 11 games. The Caps will probably be favored again tonight even if it is the second of back-to-back games on the road.

Why? Washington was already ensconced in its downtown hotel by the time the Penguins landed after a late-afternoon game in Chicago on Sunday that went to a shootout. But – more importantly – Pittsburgh’s injury issues have also become a sick joke. Already missing stars Sidney Crosby (concussion) and Evgeni Malkin (ACL tear), the Penguins will again be without winger Chris Kunitz (lower-body injury). Also, coach Dan Bylsma told reporters before the game that defenseman Paul Martin is likely out tonight, too. The blueline has generally avoided the injury bug. But Martin’s injury and the trade Monday of Alex Goligoski to Dallas has created some temporary holes in that unit.

Goligoski, 25, was sent to the Stars for 23-year-old forward James Neal (21 goals, 18 assists) and 24-year-old defenseman Matt Niskanen. No word on if either player will be in the lineup tonight, though given the timing of the trade announcement that seems unlikely.   

The Caps are just three points behind Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division and can cut into that further tonight. Then again, the Lightning will have two games in hand at that point. Washington can also trim Pittsburgh’s lead for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference to just three points and push further ahead of struggling Montreal, which is the No. 6 seed with 69 points. Definitely a chance to open up some breathing room before the next game at home against the New York Rangers on Friday.

Defenseman Mike Green will miss his sixth game in seven thanks to inner-ear trauma. He was originally hurt on Feb. 6 against the Penguins when a Brooks Orpik shot rang off the side of Green’s head. Looks like Michal Neuvirth is back in goal. He earned a satisfying shutout of Pittsburgh in that last meeting at Verizon Center.

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