A very special pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Lightning

It's finally here, the first Capitals and Lightning bout. While this Southeast Division rivalry has been a bit cold as of late, a new story line emerged during free agency when Olie Kolzig joined the Bolts.

With Olie facing his former team, and his former team full of rocket-wristed shooters, it's safe to say this game could get ugly. For the Caps or the Bolts.

In honor of Mr. Kolzig, I'm donning my 37 jersey on campus today. Hoping for a good show but ultimately a win for the guys in red.

Washington Capitals (7-4-2, last game 2-1 win over Rangers)
vs.
Tampa Bay Lightning (5-4-4, last game 2-1 win over Flyers)

The story so far...
Both teams are riding four-game point streaks and, with Carolina's loss last night, both teams can make up ground in the Southeast Division.

Key players
WSH: Alex Ovechkin, Brent Johnson, Alex Semin
TB: Martin St. Louis, Olie Kolzig, Steven Stamkos

Alex Ovechkin 2.0?
With the first overall pick the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Steven Stamkos. His ownership deemed him akin to Alex Ovechkin, although his rookie season stats are more a reflection of current Alex Ovechkin. Sitting at 2 goals and 2 assists, the rookie has a long road ahead of him if he wants to claim the Calder.

St. Louis and Lecavalier playing "hockey's newlywed game."


Johnny vs the Bolts
We all know Kolzig's record versus the Capitals, but what about Johnson's? Johnson is 5-2-1-2 with a .917 save percentage. He averages a 2.43 GAA but has remained unbeaten on home ice this season.

It's a glitch
I hope this is what the Bolts players are saying if Ovechkin exploits Olie's notoriously big 5-hole.



Still...not-so special teams
Tonight pits some powerplay bottom feeders against each other. The Capitals rank 22nd with a 15.5% PP while Tampa is farther down the list at 26th with a 14.6% PP. The Caps PK on the other hand is rising as they now rank 14th with a 81.4% PK. The Bolts are 21 with a 79.7% PK.

Classic Olie Moments








LET'S GO CAPS (we still love you, Olie)