NHL Preview – Washington (41-13-8) @ Buffalo (33-19-9)
7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, March 3, 2010
HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New York
On: Versus Network
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference go head to head on Wednesday night in what is the marquee matchup of yet another busy night NHL. The high flying Washington Capitals visit Ryan Miller and his fifth ranked team in the Eastern Conference.
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- The Buffalo Sabres rank 14th on offense, and average 2.7 goals per game. The Sabres are 17.6% on the power play and have 42 power play goals.
- The Washington Capitals rank 1st on offense, and average 3.9 goals per game. The Capitals are 25.6% on the power play and have 63 power play goals.
- The Sabres average 2.8 goals per game at home and give up 2.2 goals against on defense.
- The Capitals average 3.8 goals per game on the road, and give up 3.1 goals against on defense.
Washington Capitals: -135
Puck Line: -1 ½
The Washington Capitals bring their leagues best record into Buffalo on Wednesday night to face the Buffalo Sabres and their All-World goaltender Ryan Miller. They have had their problems at HSBC Arena, only going 2-6 in their last 8 games in Buffalo. We all know about the talent on the Caps roster but what is most impressive about this team is the chemistry and the genuine team philosophy that Washington takes. Coach Bruce Boudreau has done a remarkable job of combining talent and love of the game to make a close knit team that will go to the end of the world for each other.
The Washington Capitals have four players with 60 or more points so far this season, one of them being Defenseman Mike Green and have seven players with at least 40 points – they are a scoring machine. Most of the skilled players on the Caps played for their respective countries at the Olympics and luckily for the Washington fans, their European teams were eliminated early in the tournament. Alex Ovechkin, Nick Backstrom and Alexander Semin should be well rested and ready to prove that their play in the Olympics was the exception, not the rule.
Buffalo Sabres: +115
Puck Line: + 1 ½
The Buffalo Sabres lost a close game to the Defending Cup Champs 3-2 on Tuesday night and you can bet that they will be looking for a little redemption against the Caps on Wednesday night. They were stumbling a bit before the Olympic break and Tuesday’s loss only added to the recent 3-5-2 woes that the Sabres have suffered through.
Wednesday marks the return of Ryan Miller to action after a stellar Olympic hockey tournament. You can bet that HSBC arena will be rocking in support of their All-world goalie! The team should be motivated but unfortunately, they have to face a well rested Alex Ovechkin and the best team in the NHL.
On Wednesday night the Sabres could make a big statement – could. But don’t think that the Caps don’t see the Pittsburgh Penguins creeping up on them in the standings (Pitt. is only two points behind Washington right now). Washington needs this game to maintain their Top Dog swagger.
Pick: Washington Capitals -135
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