Puck 'N Hockey

One month down in the NHL’s 2011-2012 season and the Caps currently sit on top of the Southeast Division. After jumping out to a stellar 7-0-0 record the Capitals headed West for a Canadian two step. Two games later and the Caps are still stuck at seven wins after suffering their first defeats of the season. Coming back home, they can regain confidence as they get ready to dance with the Ducks. The Ducks boast one of the most potent offensive lines with Rocket Richard winner Corey Perry, center Ryan Getzlaf, and American sniper Bobby Ryan. All three Ducks have four goals in the young season and are poised for a run into the playoffs after falling just a hair short to Nashville last year.

A contract year can be a great motivator. (photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America)

Interesting Stats

• Despite being known for his scoring prowess, winger Corey Perry is no push over. In the last four seasons Perry has eclipsed the 50 point mark. He has also received 100 penalty minutes to go along with his superstar scoring.
• The Caps enter this game with only two players in a negative plus/minus rating. Capitals defenseman Sean Collins and winger Alex Semin both sit at (-1). On the other side of the pond, the Ducks have 11 players with a negative rating. Not a good sign if you are head coach Randy Carlyle.

Match Up: With the Ducks offense playing well it’s important for the Caps to shut their shooters down. Not only do you have to worry about the top line of the Ducks but you must contest with two ageless Fins. Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have been great early on. In net the Ducks have Jonas Hiller. Last season he had issues with vertigo and other post concussion symptoms. However, this year he has gotten off to a decent start. It appears he has started to find his game that was derailed last season by injury. The biggest key for the Ducks is that he remains healthy.

X Factor: After taking his first loss of the season, look for Voukon to really come out and be the man again. He has been leaned on greatly by bench boss Bruce Boudreau. Partly because of the injury Michal Neuvirth but also due to a great run. Plan on Voukon to make the most out of his contract year and continue his great season.