Game #7
Caps (2-2-2, 6 points vs. San Jose Sharks (3-2-1, 7 points)
Should be a good one tonight at Verizon Center. The Sharks are one of the few teams in the league that can match the Caps’ offensive firepower as they make a rare appearance in the District. San Jose posted an NHL-best 117 points last season before flaming out in the first round of the playoffs. They also whipped Washington, 7-2, last November in California. Center Boyd Gordon is out with what is likely back spasms – though the team won’t confirm that. Keith Aucoin comes up from Hershey and will be the third-line center. David Steckel drops to fourth line center. Earlier in the day, defenseman John Erskine (hand) was placed on injured reserve. He will miss at least the next two games.
Scratches are Gordon, defenseman Tyler Sloan and center Michael Nylander. San Jose is missing defenseman Douglas Murray (flu). In goal for the Caps is Jose Theodore and the Sharks have Evgeni Nabokov. When asked pregame if he expected 12 goals tonight, Caps coach Bruce Boudreau quipped “For us, I hope.” Buckle up. Puck drops in 5 minutes.
