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Welcome to Caps 'Round the Clock, a blog covering the Washington Capitals and the NHL. In season, I update the Blog after every practice and on game day with Caps news and information, and then provide a recap and analysis after each contest. I also write a periodical Prospect Watch and weekly feature pieces on the state of the Men in Red and other things Capitals. And of course, I will post videos and tidbits from around the League and offer my two cents as the season wears on. In the offseason, I write a Report Card for each player, and will keep you updated on all the news about the Caps through the summer. I'm glad you're here, and hope you come back!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Gameday: at Montreal, Mar. 26

Can we get back to winning, please? It's much more fun.
The Washington Capitals are in Montreal, Quebec, this evening to take on the Canadiens and round out their six-game swing away from Verizon Center on Hockey Night in Canada. Washington comes into tonight's action with 96 points in 75 games, which places them first in the Southeast Division and second in the Eastern Conference, coming off their brutal showing in Ottawa last night.  The Canadiens, on the other hand, report for duty tonight with 87 points in 75 games, which has them placed second in the Northeast Division and sixth in the Conference.  They were demolished by the Bruins their last time out, 7-0. This will be the fourth and final regular season meeting between these two teams this season; the Capitals lead the series, 2-0-1.

To no one's suprise, Canadiens coach Jacques Martin will roll with Carey Price in goal for his squad, as he has all year.  Price is having a terrific season, posting 34 wins, a 2.41 GAA, .921 Save%, and eight shutouts in 66 games for the Habs. He has allowed eight goals in three games against the Caps this year, and has won one of the contests.  On the injury front, the Canadiens will be without three of their top defensemen tonight, as Josh Gorges, Andrei Markov, and Jaroslav Spacek are all out with knee injuries that have required them to miss significant time this season.

For the Capitals, Braden Holtby has been confirmed as tonight's starter at the morning skate. Holtby beat the Canadiens 4-2 in his only start against them this year, which came on March 15th inside the Bell Centre.  On the season, the 21 year-old has nine wins, a 1.95 GAA, .930 Save%, and a shutout in 13 games. Outside the crease, the Capitals are still missing four regulars, as Alex Ovechkin (undisclosed), Jason Arnott (groin), Mike Green (concussion), and Tom Poti (groin) are all not on the trip and will not play tonight.  Eric Fehr is questionable with another shoulder injury as well.  If he can't go, DJ King will get a sweater for the second consecutive game.  Tyler Sloan will be a scratch barring an injury.

Puck drops for this one 7:15-ish.  Check back later for updates from the morning skate, and be sure to check this one out.  It's going to be a great game.

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