Saturday Roundup/Gamenight: Rangers @ Caps

[NHL.com Preview - WashingtonCaps.com Preview - Official Gameday Thread]

Tonight the Caps welcome J.J. and the Broadway Blueshirts to the VC. The Rags had a physical battle with Atlanta last night (which they won handily), while the Caps come in well-rested as they haven't played a game since Monday night's comeback win against Ottawa (and yes, that includes Thursday night's game at Carolina that was on the schedule but for which they didn't show up), so look for the hosts to have a little more jump from the first puck drop.

The Rangers have three of the NHL's top seven scorers, the seventh best powerplay and the third most potent offense in the League. Needless to say, it will be absolutely critical to stay out of the box and keep the shots against down: Stupid is Death.

Thread of the Day:

• Pothier Is Killing Us ---- AGAIN
  

Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:

• We're #30! According to Forbes (via OFB), the Caps are the least valuable franchise in the NHL. Now this valuation is largely based on the current arena deal, and since the Caps are renters, it's not surprising that they'd be way down the list. At some point, I assume Abe Pollin will sell the building to Ted Leonsis et. al. and the Caps will be worth a heckuva lot more, so fret not.
  

Daily Awards

• Hart: Jason Spezza (G, 2A, +4, 69% faceoffs won)
  
• Ross: Michael Nylander, Jaromir Jagr, Jason Spezza (3 points each)
  
• Norris: Wade Redden (G, A, +3)
  
• Vezina: Miikka Kiprusoff (37-save shutout win)
  
• Richard: Ryan Smyth, Dany Heatley, Radim Vrbata, Tomas Vanek (2G each)
  
• Calder: Evgeni Malkin (G, A)
  
• Aiken: Colby Armstrong (-4, 0 SOG, 0-for-2 on faceoffs)