Washington faces Stanley Cup champs
Capitals players tired of talking about the rival Pittsburgh Penguins long ago.
Yes, the two teams have a lengthy — if one-sided — postseason history, including a classic seven-game series last May. Yes, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they met again on the road to this year’s title. But regular-season meetings — like the one set for Wednesday night at Verizon Center — are supposed to have limited meaning. Except this rivalry has become so heated even a mid-week game in March generates a buzz.
“There are certain games on the schedule that are — I wouldn’t say more important — but have a better atmosphere, are a little more exciting,” said Caps forward Brendan Morrison. “Obviously [the Penguins are] the defending [Stanley Cup] champions. They went to the finals the year before and we think we’re going to meet them eventually. So we want to make a statement.”
The Caps (48-14-10, 106 points) are still trying to clinch home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference and win the President’s Trophy as the NHL team with the most standings points. Pittsburgh (42-25-6, 90 points) is trying to hold off New Jersey for the Atlantic Division title and the No. 2 seed.
“I do think [the media] make it a bigger deal than it is,” said Caps goalie Jose Theodore, expected to start against the Penguins. “It’s always special to play against the Stanley Cup champions. They’re the ones that beat us last year and they’re a great team. So it’s really good to see where we are. It’s a good measuring stick.”
Tuesday’s practice, meanwhile, was a rough one all around at Kettler Iceplex. The Caps, of course, eventually had to deal with questions from Polk County (Fla.) detectives in connection with a steroids probe of a man claiming to be a team chiropractor. Earlier, forward Brooks Laich had an errant puck smash just below his left eye during practice. The puck deflected off the crossbar after a shot by rookie defenseman John Carlson. Laich rushed off the ice hollering in pain and collapsed just outside the Caps’ dressing room. He was taken to a local hospital for stitches, according to coach Bruce Boudreau. A team spokesmen said late Tuesday that Laich’s status for the game against the Penguins is questionable. He will be re-evaluated on Wednesday morning.
Laich, 26, is in the midst of a career year. He has 24 goals and 32 assists while playing on the second line for much of the season. Durability has long been an asset for Laich, who has played in every Caps game the last three seasons. He also appeared in 73 games in both 2005-06 and 2006-07.
