Phoenix Coyotes host the Washington Capitals in the lone meeting between them this season
The second game of Monday will be hosted by the Phoenix Coyotes as they will be up against the Washington Capitals. This is the lone meeting between the two sides during the course of this season.
Previously, the two teams met on the 23rd January, 2010, during the last season. The game was very close and with the home advantage at the Verizon Centre, Washington Capitals won the game 4-2 in the end.
The Washington Capitals road trip starts with the game against the Coyotes which is after three home games. The Capitals have been very disappointing during the course of these two games as they have scored only two points out of the three possible points
that were up for grabs.
The Capitals most recently played against the Los Angeles Kings who absolutely came up with an outstanding performance to win the game 4-1 in the end.
The Capitals are facing the problem of offensive strength. During the final game, it was only Alex Ovechkin who should resistance otherwise there was almost nothing from the rest of the players.
This wasn’t only the case for the Capitals during this game but has haunted them for the past couple of weeks now.
"It never happens where you just flip a switch and it goes [your way]," Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It comes from the beginning of the game to the end of the game, working your rear end off. So if they're waiting for some switch to magically appear,
it's not going to happen."
The Washington Capitals fans will be please to learn the fact that they have lost only two games during the course of their previous consecutive away games trip. Though this time the schedule is tough as after facing the Coyotes they will be facing Anaheim
Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres and finally Pittsburgh Penguins but they are hopefully for another good run. After this they will come back to host the New York Rangers on the 25th of February 2011.
Capitals need to come up with good decent performances as they are five points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning who lead the Southeast Division. Considering the Stanley Cup play-offs, Capitals need to come up with productive performances if they want any advantage
at the start of the play-offs.
"It's like we're waiting for something to happen," Washington winger Mike Knuble said. "It's time to throw the switch toward the playoffs. We're entering the toughest part of the season. It's going to be a real indicator if we're a serious contender or not,
quite honestly."
Capitals have played 56 games out which they have won 29 games in regulation time and 10 games in overtime scoring 68 points. While the Coyotes have played 57 games out of which they have won 29 games in regulation time, 9 games in overtime and scored 67
points.
Phoenix Coyotes have been on quite a role currently as they have won their last four consecutive games. This has put them just a points behind the Dallas Stars, leaders of the Pacific Division.
"We're trying to get better and we're trying to collect points," said Phoenix coach Dave Tippett. "No matter what happens during a game, we've got to focus on what we do best and that will give us the best chance to win."
The stage is all set for a very entertaining and exciting battle as the two teams square off each other with each team having similar amount of odds of winning.
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