Columbus Blue Jackets (17–8–1) at Washington Capitals (14–11–1)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017, 7 p.m. (CAPITAL ONE ARENA)
What an odd start to the season it's been for the Washington Capitals.
On the surface, you'd paint them as a team primed to make another run at the Metropolitan Division crown. Alexander Ovechkin scored approximately 30 goals in his first five games (exaggeration), and everyone was looking to the Capitals as a team ready to take advantage of a closing window. So far, it hasn't panned out that way.
They've been mediocre at best – there's no other way around it.
The Capitals were smoked on home ice by the Los Angeles Kings two nights ago, dropping to 14 wins and 12 total losses. They were in wild card position entering the weekend, but as crazy as the Metro has been, that can change in a heartbeat with a few wins or losses. One thing's for sure, and it's that the Capitals haven't (yet) done enough winning to get back into the top three. Thursday's loss ended a three-game winning streak for Washington, but they're still fighting uphill.
You Oughta Know: Evgeny Kuznetsov
We all know the marquee names on the Capitals' roster, but one you'll hear more about is Evgeny Kuznetsov. Washington GM Brian MacLellan locked up to a massive eight-year deal when some thought he could hit the open market, but Kuznetsov has developed into an important player for the Capitals. He scored twice in their 5-2 loss to Los Angeles, and has 28 points (eight goals, 20 assists) in 26 games thus far.
Fast Facts
- Dmitry Orlov recorded his 100th career point with an assist on Thursday vs. the Kings.
- The Blue Jackets' power play ranks dead last in the NHL, operating at under 9%.
- Washington unceremoniously ended Columbus' 16-game winning streak with a 5-0 win at Capital One Arena last January 5.
Previous Matchups
THIS YEAR: First meeting
LAST YEAR: Capitals won three of five meetings
Keys to the Game
ONE: Weather the storm. The Capitals like to start fast in their home building and the Blue Jackets know it. They've played a few games in D.C., after all.
TWO: Pucks on goal. The Blue Jackets have had success against Braden Holtby when they test him from odd angles and bad angles, with traffic in front of the net and chaos in the home plate area. If it's an easy night for Holtby, it'll be an easy night for the Capitals.
THREE: Balance. John Tortorella is going to need his depth in this game, particularly against a Capitals team that uses four lines and three defense pairs to stay fresh and quick.
Capitals Projected Lineup
| # | Player | Stats | # | Player | Stats | # | Player | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Alex Ovechkin | 26 GP, 18-7-25 | 19 | Nicklas Backstrom | 25 GP, 3-16-19 | 43 | Tom Wilson | 22 GP, 2-6-8 |
| 13 | Jakub Vrana | 25 GP, 7-4-11 | 92 | Evgeny Kuznetsov | 26 GP, 8-20-28 | 77 | TJ Oshie | 26 GP, 10-12-22 |
| 10 | Brett Connolly | 17 GP, 2-2-4 | 20 | Lars Eller | 25 GP, 4-8-12 | 25 | Devante Smith-Pelly | 26 GP, 3-4-7 |
| 91 | Tyler Graovac | 5 GP, 0-0-0 | 83 | Jay Beagle | 26 GP, 3-4-7 | 39 | Alex Chaisson | 25 GP, 3-2-5 |
| # | Player | Stats | # | Player | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dmitry Orlov | 26 GP, 2-5-7 | 2 | Matt Niskanen | 13 GP, 0-4-4 |
| 44 | Brooks Orpik | 26 GP, 0-4-4 | 74 | John Carlson | 26 GP, 2-16-18 |
| 4 | Taylor Chorney | 20 GP, 1-2-3 | 22 | Madison Bowey | 20 GP, 0-5-5 |
| # | Player | GS | W-L-OL | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Braden Holtby | 19 | 13-6-0 | 2.61 | .919 | 0 |
| 31 | Philip Grubauer | 7 | 1-5-1 | 3.49 | .886 | 0 |
