Capitals (9-9-6) vs. Stars (16-8-0) Keys to the Game:
#1: Get to Marty Turco:
In his last four starts, Turco is 0-3 with a GAA of 3.27. Playing the night after a heartwrenching loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the defense in front of him should be tired. The bad news is that in his three starts against the Caps, Turco is 3-0 with a 1.34 GAA.
#2: Limit the Shots:
This is one that has plagued the Caps all year. Washington has given up an average of 36.2 shots per game. The league median is 30.2. The Caps goal should be to only give up 10 or fewer shots each period (which would make the shot total 30 or fewer). The good news is that Dallas only averages 28.1 shots per game (21st in the league).
#3: Get a Big Lead before the 3rd:
Washington has given up 28 goals in the third period (5th worst in the league) while Dallas has scored 22 in the third. Both teams score most of their goals in the first and least in the second, so if the Caps can jump out to an early lead and hold onto it, they need to keep Dallas from scoring in the third.
Players to Watch for...
Dallas: Jeff Halpern
Halpern makes his first visit to DC since signing in Dallas over the offseason. How will the crowd react to the Potomac native's return to the nation's capital? Also, will Halpern improve his pitiful performance this season. He only has 8 points and is a -1.
Washington: Olaf Kolzig
Kolzig is 0-9-1 with a 3.50 goals against average and an .867 save pct. lifetime against the Stars. As evidenced against the Lightning, the Caps need him to step up for them to win. Will Olie break out of his slump against Dallas?
In his last four starts, Turco is 0-3 with a GAA of 3.27. Playing the night after a heartwrenching loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the defense in front of him should be tired. The bad news is that in his three starts against the Caps, Turco is 3-0 with a 1.34 GAA.
#2: Limit the Shots:
This is one that has plagued the Caps all year. Washington has given up an average of 36.2 shots per game. The league median is 30.2. The Caps goal should be to only give up 10 or fewer shots each period (which would make the shot total 30 or fewer). The good news is that Dallas only averages 28.1 shots per game (21st in the league).
#3: Get a Big Lead before the 3rd:
Washington has given up 28 goals in the third period (5th worst in the league) while Dallas has scored 22 in the third. Both teams score most of their goals in the first and least in the second, so if the Caps can jump out to an early lead and hold onto it, they need to keep Dallas from scoring in the third.
Players to Watch for...
Dallas: Jeff Halpern
Halpern makes his first visit to DC since signing in Dallas over the offseason. How will the crowd react to the Potomac native's return to the nation's capital? Also, will Halpern improve his pitiful performance this season. He only has 8 points and is a -1.
Washington: Olaf Kolzig
Kolzig is 0-9-1 with a 3.50 goals against average and an .867 save pct. lifetime against the Stars. As evidenced against the Lightning, the Caps need him to step up for them to win. Will Olie break out of his slump against Dallas?
posted by The Jet at 11:40 AM
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