Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Peerless Prognosticator is ON THE AIR!!! -- Caps vs. Bruins, October 21st

The Peerless Prognosticator is ON THE AIR!!!

You can check on the home-and-home preview for the details in this matchup. We’re going to spend this time looking at some things to think about as you watch the game tonight, things you might like the Caps to keep, and some other things you would wish they toss…

“Like that washing machine that has been on Cheerless' front porch for the last year and a half?”

“Oh, pardon me, Fearless. I don’t get my laundry done by a diaper service.”

“They make my things so soft and fluffy.”

“Yeah, like your butt.”

Guys? Hockey game? Getting back to the subject…Things the Caps need to keep, and things they would be better to toss:

Keep… The Caps have scored eight goals in the third period and overtime in the six games they have played to date. Only Colorado has more (nine).

Toss… The Caps have scored a total of three goals in the first period in the six games, none in the past three contests.
*****

Keep… The top line of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Mike Knuble is 3-5-8 in the third period and overtime of the six games played so far.

Toss… This threesome doesn’t have a single point in the first period in any of the six games.
*****

Keep… The penalty kill is 25-for-25

Toss… The power play is 4-for-26.
*****

Keep… Nicklas Backstrom’s six-game start last year (2-8-10, plus-7)

Toss… Backstrom’s six-game start this year (1-3-4, minus-1)
*****

Keep… Eric Fehr’s first three games (2-1-3, even)

Toss… Eric Fehr’s last three games (0-0-0, minus-2, seven shots on goal)
*****

Keep… Last season’s top-ranked 5-on-5 production (1.57)

Toss… This year’s 19th-ranked 5-on-5 production (0.92)
*****

Keep… Last year’s 5th-ranked faceoff production (51.5%), and Boyd Gordon ranked 3rd (61.0%, 200 draws taken, minimum)

Toss… This year’s 25th-ranked faceoff production (46.7%), and Boyd Gordon ranked 75th (44.6%)
*****

Keep… Michal Neuvirth’s start (4-2-0, 2.45, .921, three shots on goal)

Toss… Neuvirth’s cookies.