Pre-Game: Capitals @ Bruins

Following last year's All-Star break, the Capitals went on the road to face a tough Northeast division test in the Montreal Canadians. The Caps failed that test, falling flat on their face in the opening frame (three goals allowed in the first period), allowing Cristobal Huet to his final shutout as a member of the Canadians.

This year, Washington has to play in Boston for their first game back from break. Zdeno Chara is fresh of repeating his crown in the hardest shot, and Marc Savard may have become my new favorite player doing his best job trying to save VERSUS horrendous commentators.

Since the turn of the century, the Caps have only won in regulation once playing Boston on the road. It also doesn't help that the B's are 17-3-2 at home, and are second best in the league with a 32.2% efficiency.

Tim Thomas looked ridic in the All-Star game, and Timmy has only lost twice on home ice. He's kinda had the Caps number, going 8-2-1 against Washington lifetime, but has allowed nine goals in his last four and a half periods (against the Caps).

For a first place team, the Caps sure don't act like it on the road. There are teams in fourth place in their respective division that have a better away record than the Capitals 11-12-2 mark. Washington is 5-6-1 against playoff teams (if the season ended today) on the road. Now would be a good time to hit .500 before the mighty Wings come to town for an afternoon tilt on Super Bowl Saturday.