Preview: Thrashers @ Capitals

Atlanta Thrashers @ Washington Capitals

Washington: 4-3-0, 8 points
Leading scorer: Alex Ovechkin, 4-4-8 in 7 GP
Tied Fenwick% last season: 51.1%
Notable injuries/illnesses: D Mike Green, W Matt Bradley
Probable starting goalie: Semyon Varlamov (19-4-7, 2.52, .911 career)
Player to watch: W Alex Ovechkin

Atlanta: 3-4-0, 6 points
Leading scorer: Andrew Ladd, 2-5-7 in 7 GP
Tied Fenwick% last season: 49.2%
Notable injuries/illnesses: G Ondrej Pavelec, W Fredrik Modin, D Zach Bogosian, C Jim Slater, W Patrice Cormier
Probable starting goalie: Chris Mason (3-4-0, 3.47, .948)
Player to watch: D Dustin Byfuglien

I have to leave for the airport in 15 minutes, so apologies for the brief preview.

"The Alexes" feast on Atlanta. The Cup-winning Hawks are boosting Atlanta thus far. Byfuglien in particular has put up good offensive numbers, but is still prone to implode defensively. If the Caps can convert, they'll be in business. They will need a strong effort to do so, however. Given the last few games, I'm skeptical the Caps will come out to play.

I never want to hear anyone ever question Mike Green's worth to the Capitals ever again.

Thrashers 3, Capitals 2 (OT).