Puck 'N Hockey

With a rather dominant performance over the Red Wings, the Caps remain the only undefeated team left in the NHL. Sitting at a sparkling 7-0-0, the Caps roll into the first real road trip of the season. With a long journey to Western Canada for duels with the Oilers and reigning Western Conference champs, the Canucks, it won’t be a friendly stay. With five out of the first seven games at home this is a good time for a road trip, even though it’s short in terms of games. The Capitals will also look to continue the success they had in the hostile cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.  A trip last year to Edmonton almost certainly meant a victory with the Oil only racking up 13 home wins all last season. This season however, there is a new energy and out look for the team. The Oilers already have four home wins. That’s two wins shy to equal half of last years total, within the first month of the young NHL season.

Ovi should stand out in Edmonton. (photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Interesting Stats

• Tomas Vokoun, who has played unworldly the last few starts, has trouble against the Oil. Over 21 career starts against them he has posted a 6-10-2-3 record with a goals against average of 2.89. His save percentage is below .900, sitting at .894, and only one shutout. Look for him to try to improve on those numbers in tonight’s game.
• Forgotten goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has played well this season. After dealing with injuries and off-ice incidents last season it appears he has made a major rebound early on. In his five starts his record is 3-0-2 with a save percentage of .961 and a goals against of .970.

Match Up: The young Oilers bring tons of energy and speed to the ice every night. It’s showing in the standings as they have a record of 4-2-2 for 10 points. That’s a huge boost of confidence for the young bunch as they are eager to make a drastic change from last year’s dead last finish in the NHL. Young stars Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent- Hopkins, and Magnus Paajarvi lead the way. The older cast however of Ryan Symth and Shawn Horcoff do their part as well. The back end really is the weak spot on this team. With Ryan Whitney, Cam Barker, and Tom Gilbert being the only noteworthy players there. As mentioned before, in net they have a rejuvenated Khabibulin which makes for an interesting mix. If Nikolai can keep up this pace it’s going to be a good year in the original City of Champions. You can never count out a goalie with a cup ring.

X Factor: After finally finding his scoring touch the last few games, Captain Alex Ovechkin has got to feel good about his chances on the road. With four points in his last two games (2G, 2A) he has rediscovered his knack for timely goals and the big play. I look for him to really lead the charge and keep stockpiling not only personal points but points in the standings as well. Early success leads to an easier road at the end of the season.