Panthers Preview

Tonight the Caps have another Southeast division match-up, this time against the last place Florida Panthers. With 38 points they are ranked last in the division and 24th in the league. Though there is most likely going to be no play-off threat from the Cats, the rest of the divisional games from here on out are going to be some of the most important games in the remainder of the season. If the Caps can suck points out of the division, it puts them in better standings come play-off time. So with that in mind, tonight's game should be another important game for them.

A few notes from this week:

--Their last game had a disappointing drop-off in energy from the Winter Classic. But, considering that the Winter Classic was the biggest regular season game thus far, it's some-what understandable. Said Mike Green on 106.7 FM yesterday, "we just have to remember that we do have games after the Winter Classic. Yes, that game was huge, but we have to remember that we've got a game 2 and 3 days afterwards that we have to play. We have to make sure our heads are in it."

--He also had a few remarks about the power play. "Sometimes when you play a high risk game, then the risks pay off. With our minds being so focused on defense right now, we aren't necessarily playing the same high risk game that we used to, and sometimes that can translate into less goals."

--Ovechkin gets a cortisone shot and participated in a full practise yesterday. He should be ready for tonight's game.

--Happy Birthday Ted Leonsis!