Buffalo Sabres eager to replace Washington Capitals in the ranking table – NHL Preview
Washington Capitals will still be thankful for their last victory that helped them retain their position in the Eastern Conference, but a game against Buffalo Sabres is expected to give them more tough time now.
Sabres are ranked out of the comfort zone in the conference just below the Capitals, and by defeating them, Sabres can replace Capitals in the ranking table.
The crucial encounter is going to take place on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
Both Sabres and Capitals have six more games to play in the regular season and they will certainly want to win them all.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Capitals
They are ranked at eighth spot in the Western Conference with 84 points after 76 games.
Out of their last six games, Capitals have lost four. In their last game, Capitals defeated Minnesota Wild to snap their two-game skid.
Capitals got two goals in the second period and one in the final as goaltender, Braden Holtby, earned third shutout of his career.
Capitals are well aware of the importance of the game against Sabres as the result is going to seriously affect the rankings.
Capitals’ Mathieu Perrault said of the game:
"It's going to be the biggest game of the year, for sure. and we're going to be ready for it."
Sabres
They are ranked at ninth spot in the Eastern Conference and have the same number of points as Capitals.
They are currently on a four-game winning streak with the victories coming against Tampa Bay Lightning (7-3), Montreal Canadiens (3-0), New York Rangers (4-1) and Minnesota Wild (3-1).
In their last game, Sabres maintained a strong grip over the game after going one goal down in the first period.
Sabres equalised in the second and scored twice in the final period to win the game.
Sabres’ captain, Jason Pominville, said after the win:
"I think it shows the character we have in the room. The guys stuck together. And as fun as it's been, I think there's still a lot of work to be done."
Predictions
Keeping Sabres’ recent run in mind, they can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Capitals win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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