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Coming out of Thursday's somewhat emotional (but not mega important) game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and after a week of matching up against chief rival Philadelphia and cup runner-up Detroit, a let down game was inevitable. This particular Capitals teams is known for playing down to their opponents after big games, letting their proverbial foot off the gas, and coasting to a lame loss. Maybe this team is growing up a little bit though.

29-17-5 (63 Points), 2nd in Pacific Division


32-12-6 (70 Points), 1st in Southeast Division

Verizon Center: 7:00 PM
TV: CSN(HD)
Additional Coverage: Hipchecks (Bloguin), Japers' Rink, Rock The Red.net

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Before I get started with any sort of recap, I'd like to throw out a big thank you to Japers' Rink and Puck Daddy for putting on a great party in Arlington this evening at Bailey's. The house was packed with Caps fans, and it was great to finally meet some fellow Caps bloggers in person. Considering the fact that the restaurant only expected about 75 people and at least twice that many showed up, things went beautifully. We'll have to do it again sometime soon.

As a little aside, the only person that failed to stop and wash his hands coming out of the men's room this evening (while I was in there) was a Pens fan, so I thought I should point that out. Oh and SHOCKER...there were Crosby pictures in the toilet.

31-12-6 (68 Points), 1st in Southeast Division

31-19-1 (63 Points), 2nd in Atlantic Division

Mellon Arena: 7:30 PM
TV: CSN(HD)
Additional Coverage: The Pensblog (Bloguin), Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies, Japers' Rink

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As everyone knows, the Caps kicked off a tough week last night against the two-time defending Western Conference Champs, the Detroit Red Wings. It was just the beginning to a difficult stretch against the defending Cup Champs the Penguins and the upstart Phoenix Coyotes, so the Caps needed to play well to carry a little momentum into Thursday.

24-16-8 (56 Points), 3rd in Central Division

27-12-6 (64 Points), 1st in Southeast Division

Verizon Center: 7:00 PM
TV: CSN(HD)
Additional Coverage: Babcock's Death Stare (Bloguin), Nightmare On Helm Street (Bloguin), Japers' Rink

As a Caps fan, I'm pretty used to listening to the media flap their gums about how Alex Ovechkin doesn't play defense and how he's a selfish player and a dirty hitter. While it's common criticism, and not entirely untrue (although Ovi has seriously improved in the defensive zone so far this season), I have to take my shots when they're available. By writing this post, I am by no means admitting that the Washington Capitals as a whole (or any individual player for that matter) are flawless. I am not even saying they're very good in the defensive zone. I am simply pointing out a common misconception. Enter today's subject, Mr. Mike Richards.

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Dear Flyers Goal Scored By (specifically Ryan)...I think Matt Bradley read your post earlier today, and he didn't take kindly to the little jab you threw his way. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, by consequence didn't really appreciate Mr. Bradley's bad mood this afternoon after being on the business end of that nasty hit pictured above. Here's a tip moving forward...maybe try not to piss Brads off. That's why we love him, and you'd probably love him too if he played in Philadelphia. If you're planning on writing Tollefsen a get well card, you might want to date it January 24th, because Brads knocked him into next week.

23-20-3 (49 Points), 5th in Atlantic Division

27-12-6 (64 Points), 1st in Southeast Division

Verizon Center: 3 PM
TV: CSN(HD)
Additional Coverage: Flyers Goal Scored By (Bloguin), Broad Street Hockey, Japers' Rink

It didn't take long for the Caps to get back to their (first period) dominating ways. Alex Ovechkin sparked his team in the opening minute of the contest and the Caps managed to cruise in front of a raucous home crowd. I know...I know...it was the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, it was the same Toronto team that had beaten Washington in their last two meetings. This was a solid two point effort, and we'll go with all praise under our bullet points tonight: