Capitals lost a key piece on the Second line and PP in Mike Ribeiro...I understand they acquired Grabovski...but it is yet to be seen if he will be a serviceable second line center...he took a HUGE step back last season and not to mention didn't look great in the pre-season. Brooks Laich remains questionable and if he is back on the ice he certainly won't be 100%. Caps have never been a GREAT road team and seem to always falter in the spotlight. I think that the United Center is going to be rocking tonight as the Hawks see that championship banner raised. The Hawks are going to be playing with some serious intensity in their nationally televised game home opener as they look to start out just how they left off...can't see the Caps stealing this one.
I can understand the play if you think the value is there but I personally think its the hawks or nothing...caps are a long shot and personally I just don't think the price is right for the risk associated with the play.
I think the caps have a huge year and finally make a deep run. Grabovski will shine getting proper 2nd line minutes. Carlyle buried him on the 3rd line in Toronto playing no minutes and basically just a defensive role. I'm on the over personally but I would lean Caps before Hawks tonight