Washington Capitals eye playoff spot as they take on the regressing New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
For New Jersey Devils, the end to the last month was not different than the start to this month as the team is once again struggling to recover from the slump.
Washington Capitals have not yet played any game this month, but they must be worried about their ranking in National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference.
Capitals have been pushed down from the comfort zone and are replaced by Winnipeg Jets.
As Capitals eye to regain that place and Devils seek an end to the regressing mode, it will be interesting to see who dominates the other on Friday, March 2, 2012, at Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Devils
Devils have played one game of the present four-game road trip and the start to the trip and the month was apparently not what they had expected.
After getting defeated by Boston Bruins in the last game, Devils’ losing streak is now stretched to four with the other three defeats coming against Vancouver Canucks (2-1), Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3) and New York Rangers (2-0).
Devils’ offence is struggling to perform well and despite trying desperately hard against Bruins, it could not outscore the opponents.
Bruins got a two-goal lead in the first period, but Devils scored three goals in the second to get the lead.
However, Bruins levelled the score in the final period to force the game to overtime where they scored another time to get the victory.
Devils’ goaltender, Martin Brodeur, said after the loss:
“Hopefully we'll get in and hopefully we'll have an opportunity to play against them because if we do it means we're going to be in a good spot."
Devils are still in the safe zone and are ranked at seventh spot in the Eastern Conference with 75 points after 63 games.
Capitals
Unlike Devils, Capitals succeeded in ending the last month on a positive note.
They are currently on a three-game winning streak and are hoping to stretch it even further.
The recent victories came against Montreal Canadiens (4-1), Toronto Maple Leafs (4-2) and New York Islanders (3-2 in overtime).
Against Islanders, Capitals got the dramatic victory after overcoming a deficit of two goals to first level the score and then win in the overtime.
The victory also strengthened their ranking, but Jets have replaced them at eighth spot and now the main concern for Capitals is to get two points and take that position back.
With 69 points after 63 games, Capitals are just one point behind Jets.
Predictions
If Devils do not find their rhythm, Capitals might steal the show.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
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