Game 36 Preview: Capitals at Avalanche

Washington Capitals	7:30 MT / 9:30 ET / 2:30 GMT	Colorado Avalanche
20-7-6	December 14th, 2009	19-10-6
46 pts	Pepsi Center	44 pts
1st in East	Denver, CO	Ahead of Calgary

Okay, folks, fun time is over. We spent yesterday thoroughly enjoying the win against Calgary, especially the part where Curtis Glencross was an incredible tool. But those clowns are gone now and a new circus has rolled into town. The Avs will have to take on the giant, happy, funball that is the Washington Capitals. As of this writing (as Tuesday's games are just getting underway), the Caps have the best record in the NHL (that will have changed if the Kings - the KINGS - defeated Vancouver). That's all daunting and stuff, but our hapless Avalanche are just two points behind Washington, clearly because the NHL rewards blatant dives.

Craig Anderson has been rock solid in net since his return from Keith Ballarditis, and the Avs defense has been excellent the last few games. They will be tested tonight, though, as the Capitals have the league's best offense and most potent powerplay. The Avalanche will need to play a disciplined game and stay out of that penalty box.

Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov has been outstanding this year. But, he's injured and it's likely that the Avalanche will face old friend Jose Theodore in what will be his first game in Denver since leaving via free agency. This would be the point where you start chuckling and getting all confident and stuff. This would also be the point where I would punch you in the arm and remind you that we were shut out this year by Andrew Raycroft.

Capitals vs Avalanche coverage

Japer's Rink

Tailor Arnason update

Arnason's team won the battle of the Dinamo as the Riga Dinamo shut out the Minsk Dinamo 2-0. No points for Arnie, but Riga pulled into 8th in their conference. The KHL is now on a break until December 22nd.

Tale of the Tape

(note that all stats are from before last night's games)