WASHINGTON -- The Canes and Capitals will play six times this season and tonight's game is the first between the two Southeast Division rivals.
Question: could the winner tonight set the tone in the division?
"Yes," the Canes' Ryan Bayda said today. "Every time you play these guys it's a big game. It's a game within the division and they're all important points. It would definitely be nice to come out and set the tone in the series."
Tuomo Ruutu, on the other hand, takes more of a dissenting view on it being a "statement" kind of game.
"Whether we win this game or lose this game, I don't think it will matter the next time we play," the winger said. "Everybody is going to forget this game after it's over.
"I don't think it's about setting the tone. I think it's one game and that's it."
The Canes do have a four-point lead over the Caps and Lightning. Adding to it, Canes coach Peter Laviolette, is the main thing tonight.
"It's a division game and they're right there behind us, so I think it's important to make sure it's not a four-point swing in the wrong way," Laviolette said. "Any time you've got games like that, they're important."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Big game or one of six
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 18:00 — anonymous (not verified)Its both. Not a MUST WIN game, but a big game nonetheless because its against a division opponent that happens to be the defending division champs. Two points are two points and at the end of the season it doesn't matter when you get them, but better to have them in the bank, as it were, than not. To indulge a another cliche, a bird in the hand . . .
it Does Matter
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 17:31 — esteban1949it does matter and the Coach is right on in his way of thinking. Each regulation win means alot in this divison. We can't slow up,even if it is early in the season. And i am also wondering how the "new odd Line" will do tonight as well. Go Canes !
Huge game
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 15:08 — Anonymous (not verified)Considering how the end of the last 2 seasons have shaped out, I would say this game, and ANY divisional game, is huge. A 4 point swing is something that HAS to be taken advantage of.
Four points
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:56 — Robert Gilday (not verified)It is in the best interest of the 'Canes to come out of tonight's with a REGULATION win. Every game with a divisional rival is really a 4 pointer. The 'Canes seem to put in some of their worst performances in Washington and they need to come out with purpose. Too many times in the past they have given up a goal in the first minute of the first period. This can not continue to occur. Ovechkin isn't the problem, it's Semin. He has career gams against us there.
Of course it's important - but...
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 14:48 — The Original Caniac (not verified)Of course it's an important game. However, one game, this early doesn't determine anything. Case in point. In 2002, the Canes dropped a regular season game here at home. As everyone knows, back then, there was still a large amount of Devils fans who had not crossed over to the Caniac side. Well, a certain and N & O writer - who shall remain nameless - but whose first name rhymes with Faulton, said the loss to the Devils was a big one. Really? The Canes ended up beating them in the playoffs that year. With that said - I'd love to see the Canes punch em in the mouth tonight and show them who the leader of this division is, but if we lose - alright I'm good with that too. Long season.