Eight down...14 to go

As I mentioned in the pre-Cap, the Capitals have an impressive record when facing teams in other Eastern Conference divisions. Also, the Capitals are a combined 14-2-3 against opponents in the Atlantic and Northeast divisions.

Without much argument, the Capitals play in one of the NHL's weakest divisions. Atlanta and Tampa Bay look destined to be part of the "John Tavares" sweepstakes, and the Caps currently hold a 10-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.

What might catch you off-guard is that the Capitals are only 5-3 in their own Southeast Division. Not a terribly impressive number considering how well they are playing elsewhere and the talent level in the Southeast.

With eight of their divisional games completed and 14 left to play, the Capitals have a good chance of chasing down the Boston Bruins for first in the conference and possibly even the San Jose Sharks (if they trip up) for the league lead.

Here's why.

If their current level of play continues, the Capitals could easily take 21 to 25 points of the 28 points left to earn in their division. They are also beating tough competition with a lineup full of AHL call-ups, which speaks volumes about Bruce Boudreau.

On top of all that, you have the fact that the Bruins will be playing more Atlantic Division teams in the second half of the year. They are currently 4-0-2 against the Atlantic, which features the Flyers, Rangers, Devils and Penguins, all playoff contenders. I think we can agree the Atlantic Division is tougher to steal a win from than the Southeast Division.

First in the Eastern Conference is an attainable goal but, knowing Ovechkin and Boudreau, "good isn't good enough."

Pre-cap: Capitals vs. Rangers

Good news! Jamie Heward was only diagnosed with a concussion. Even better news! He believes Alex Ovechkin's hit was an accident and called Ovie "one of the cleanest players in the NHL."

I don't think Danny Briere or Evgeni Malkin share that sentiment...

With all that hoopla out of the way, the Capitals can now focus on the Rangers. The last two meetings with the Rangers were at Madison Square Garden, where wins have been tough to come by for the Caps. The season series now moves to Verizon Center, where wins have been tough to come by for the visitors.

Washington Capitals (25-11-3, first in SE, second in EC, last game 7-4 win over Tampa Bay)
vs.
New York Rangers (23-13-3, first in ATL, third in EC, last game 5-4 win over NYI)

Key Players
WSH: Brooks Laich
Henrik Lundqvist is a world-class goaltender and will not be easily beaten. Seven different Capitals scored Friday night and, if the Caps want to see success against elite goaltenders, they will need that type of effort from the third- and fourth-line players. Laich has been hot recently with three goals in three games. Laich's goals were the result of tip ins, rebounds and gritty play. If you want goals, go to the net, indeed.
NYR: Marc Staal
Marc Staal is one of the Rangers' best defensemen and, like Karl Alzner, is logging some serious minutes. Staal saw 18 minutes of action Dec. 23 in the last meeting of the two teams and was on ice for two Rangers goals and two Capitals goals. Staal was frequently called upon to check Ovechkin's line in the last matchup and will more than likely have the same duties tonight.

Beating tough competition
Here's a stat to think about. The Capitals are 8-1-1 against the Northeast Division, which features playoff contenders Boston, Buffalo and Montreal. They are 6-1-2 against the Atlantic Division, which features playoff contenders Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New Jersey and the Rangers.

Jagr-Claus
While he may be part of the KHL now, former Capital/Ranger Jaromir Jagr is still fun to laugh at. Here's an odd YouTube video of him dressed as the man in red.


Backyard hockey with the Staals
Eric, Marc, Jordan and Jared (a Phoenix Coyotes property) all grew up playing together in their backyard. Here's a neat piece on the family rink where this NHL family honed their skills.


In other news...
Slovakia upset the USA at the World Juniors...a heated debate over a possible return to New York for Sean Avery is brewing...Della Rovere is leaving bruises on players and his image to some Caps fans...Brooks Laich is a matchmaker for Caps fans looking for love.

LET'S GO CAPS!