Caps (32-19-10, 74 points) vs. Rangers (32-28-4, 68 points)
What » Game #62
Where » Verizon Center
When » 7 p.m.
TV » CSN HD
Radio » WFED-1500 AM
The Caps return home for the first time since Feb. 12 with one of Bruce Boudreau’s classic “four-point” games. Washington enters the day six up on the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. They can either pull closer to Southeast Division-leader Tampa Bay and No. 4 seed Pittsburgh or slip towards the back of the pack again. The Rangers are the No. 7 seed. Montreal lost last night and is three behind at No. 6.
Defenseman Mike Green says he feels better after battling an illness. Bad timing there as he appeared ready to return from the inner-ear trauma associated with the slapshot to the head he took Feb. 6 against Pittsburgh. Green has missed six of the last seven games, but said he needed to speak with the team’s medical staff before learning if he can play. If Green does get the go-ahead minutes will be somewhat limited tonight. Don’t look for him to hit the 25-minute mark. Thanks to a power-play meeting immediately after the morning skate, Bruce Boudreau hadn’t talked to Green or head trainer Greg Smith as of 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, forward Nicklas Backstrom also believes he’s ready to play tonight. He had his left thumb wrapped pretty good this morning after suffering a fracture on Monday against the Penguins. But he insisted Thursday the injury shouldn’t be a major issue. One thing to watch: how he does on faceoffs tonight.
Boudreau made it clear to his players that their record at home – so stellar the past three seasons – is now an issue. Mike Knuble said that took some in the room by surprise. But the numbers don’t lie: 30-5-6 all of last season at Verizon Center and 5-6-6 since Dec. 4. Boudreau said there shouldn’t be any complacency after a long road trip. Yes, they’re back home now. But that doesn’t guarantee anything anymore.
The Rangers have beaten the Caps twice this season already, including 7-0 at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12. No Marc Staal (knee), according to the New York media contingent. The defenseman was hit by his own brother, Eric, in a game against Carolina this week. Star winger Marian Gaborik is doubtful while suffering from concussion symptoms.
Looks like Michal Neuvirth gets the start in goal. He was first off the ice after the morning skate. Defenseman Tyler Sloan also came off before the scratches’ skate – just in case Green isn’t ready to play.
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