Caps redemption to begin today?

The Caps host the Phlyers at the Phonebooth today, instead of the traditional Caps New Year's Day game. It is just as well since the Redskins are playing tomorrow (in Philly of all places) -- perhaps the reason for the change.

Anyhow, if the Caps don't pull this one off, I can get over it. I would much rather see them win in person with Wiley in the building next Friday. They need to start winning soon though, this is getting ugly and they are almost halfway through their La Coupe Huaxer schedule.

Pens catch a break

Wow, who knew that the Pens could pull one out the other night against the Devils? So far, for the season, they hold a 2-2 tie in the season series, and a difference in goals of 4 (17-13 in favor of said Devils). They need more games like this in order to start being competitive. Maybe Therrien's ethic is starting to sink in. Today's test against the Rangers will prove the theory, but until the players start believing in the system and ultimately themselves, nothing will change.

Case in point, look at Happy Valley this year.

Ugh...Caps got killed -- again

I figured the Capitals would have a tough road in La Coupe Hauxer, but I figured they could have at least mustered one lousy win in five tries. Last night, up at 16W, they lost to Brad's Devils, 7 - 2. Oh well, at least Olympian Alex Ovechkin scored. At least they are not last in the conference.

Speaking of, the Devils they play Sam/Jake's Pengyunz tonight at the Igloo.

As for the Caps, they have two homes games with the Flyers in the next week or so. Wiley is scheduled to be in attendance for Jan. 6 meeting, so hopefully the Caps can reverse their ways with him in the building -- that would make the losing worthwhile.

No wonder Crosby won't be in Turin

And now a brief statistical comparison:

Alex Ovechkin, WAS LW 32 19 19 38 -1 20 20:04 159 11.9 9 9 1 0
Sidney Crosby, PIT  C 33 14 19 33 -9 40 19:19 107 13.1 6 8 0 0

Keep in mind that Crosby plays on a team of veteran NHL players while Ovechkin plays with a bunch of nobodies. Speaking of, the nobodies on the Caps are doing better than the vets on the Pengyunz.

Washington 32 11 19 2 24 92 127 13.0 77.3 7-8-1 4-11-1 3-6-1
Pittsburgh 33 8 18 7 23 88 133 15.2 78.9 4-8-4 4-10-3 1-8-1

How can this be? Have all the Pengyunz adopted the patented Lemieux training regimen (ciagarettes and cheeseburgers) already?

Looks like the Caps are getting a more with a lot less than the reckless Penguins. Third place in LCH must be little consolation since Washington's acesnsion to third place is pre-ordained. You guys better get ready to be feed all of us.

Devils will make it interesting

The team is struggling, the coach quit, and the General Manager is a temporary coach. This is not good for me and the Devils, but good for Wiley.

Upcoming La Coupe Hauxer schedule

After three weeks without a matchup, the pace picks up considerably tomorrow night.

Dec. 23 - Philly at 'burgh
Dec. 27 - 16W at 'burgh
Dec. 28 - Chocolate City at 16W
Dec. 31 - Philly at Chocolate City
Jan. 6 - Philly at Choclolate City
Jan. 9 - Philly at 16W

Wiley has an excellent chance to pull away, but if history is an indication Philly is going to choke and the standings are going to get a lot tighter.

Flightless birds may fly elsewhere

Bad news for Penguins fans, Mario Lemieux is suggesting that the chances of the Penguins staying in Pittsburgh beyond their current lease (which ends after next season) is "slim." Frankly, I cannot imagine La Coupe Hauxer without the Pittsburgh Penguins.

'Slim chance' Penguins will stay in Pittsburgh, Lemieux says - Post-Gazette

I wonder if Teddy E-mail has a plan to entice Pens fans to support the Capitals in the event of a relocation. If he does not, he needs to create one.

Flyers defeat Devils

Wiley extended his lead over Brad last night with the Flyers defeating the Devils, 2-1 (The Inky), in Philly. Wiley has a 1 1/2 game lead for first place while Brad has second by only one game over Sam/Jake. William/Fritz are stuck in last until at least February.

The next La Coupe Hauxer action is three weeks from tomorrow when the Flyers head to the 'burgh.