Preview: Capitals on Quest for 2 Straight Wins vs Senators

The Washington Capitals did everything right in their 6-2 win over the New Jersey Devils to close out 2016. Not only did they get scoring from all four forward lines, but they played a strong defensive game and kept momentum through all three periods. The Capitals hope that their firepower can ensure them a win over the Senators.

Ottawa didn’t ring in the New Year on the best note, despite festivities Thursday as they retired Daniel Alfredsson’s jersey. After falling in overtime to the Detroit Red Wings, the Senators found themselves in the midst of a two-game slide, and are looking to start the new year off with a victory.

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Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals

Verizon Center – 7:30 p.m. EST

Broadcast channels – CSNMA, TVAS, SN

2015-16 Season Series:

Dec. 16- Senators 1 Capitals 2

Jan. 10- Senators 1 Capitals 7

March 22 – Capitals 4 Senators 2

Washington Capitals: 21-9-5, 47 Points

Home Record: 12-5-1

Hot Players: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Justin Williams

Projected Lines:

Forwards

Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Justin Williams

Marcus Johansson-Nicklas Backstrom-T.J. Oshie

Brett Conolly-Lars Eller-Andre Burakovsky

Daniel Winnik-Jay Beagle-Tom Wilson

Defense

Karl Alzner-John Carlson

Dmitri Orlov- Matt Niskanen

Brooks Orpik-Taylor Chorney

Goaltender

Braden Holtby

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Ottawa Senators – 20-12-4, 44 Points

Away Record: 9-7-0

Hot Players: Mike Hoffman, Mark Stone, Erik Karlsson

Key Injuries: Clarke MacArthur, Andrew Hammond, Craig Anderson, Zack Smith

Projected Lines:

Forwards

Ryan Dzingel-Kyle Turris-Bobby Ryan

Mike Hoffman-Derick Brassard-Mark Stone

Tom Pyatt-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Chris Kelly

Casey Bailey-Curtis Lazar-Chris Neil

Defense

Marc Methot-Erik Karlsson

Dion Phaneuf-Cody Ceci

Mark Borowiecki-Chris Wideman

Goalie

Mike Condon

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Game Notes

[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]1)[/miptheme_dropcap]The Capitals reassigned forward Jakub Vrana to the Hershey Bears Sunday after a drop in performance. Vrana put up a goal and three points in 12 games up with Washington this season. Head coach Barry Trotz told the media that the NHL was not a “developmental league,” justifying his decision to demote Vrana back to the AHL. Brett Connolly will draw back in to replace the 20-year-old winger, and Vrana will hopefully benefit more from top minor-league minutes than time in the NHL press box.

[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]2)[/miptheme_dropcap]Alex Ovechkin seems to be finding his scoring touch, and has a goal in three of his last five games. By the same token, his linemates in Evgeny Kuznetsov and Justin Williams are also staying hot, and the Capitals top line has combined for 11 points in their last five games. They will be vital in providing offense against the Senators, who allow 2.6 goals per game on average.

[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]3)[/miptheme_dropcap]Chris Kelly and Derick Brassard will both reach important milestones in their careers Sunday. Kelly will suit up for his 500th NHL game, while Brassard will play his 600th NHL game. Kelly is looking to bust a nine-game goalless drought, and Brassard hopes to continue his hot streak, having scored points in three of his last five games.

[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]4)[/miptheme_dropcap]Mike Hoffman has been hot for Ottawa of late and is riding a three-game point streak. Over his last five games, Hoffman has a goal and four assists. Linemate Mark Stone is looking to extend his point streak to three games and has five points in his last five games as well.

[miptheme_dropcap style=”normal” color=”#222222″ background=””]5)[/miptheme_dropcap]Mike Condon will start between the pipes for the Senators, and has won four of his last six starts. However, he appears to have struggled against Washington in three career games, going 1-2 and posting a 3.05 GAA and .898 save percentage. Braden Holtby will get the nod for the Capitals and is 4-3-1 in his career against Ottawa, boasting a 2.25 GAA and .929 save mark.