Caps (14-6-2, 30 points) at Hurricanes (9-9-2, 20 points)
What » Game #23
Where » RBC Center
When » 7 p.m.
TV » CSN Radio
Radio » WFED-1500 AM
Caps haven’t been very good two of the last three games with a pair of 5-0 shutouts sandwiched around a shootout loss to the Flyers. They haven’t been blanked in consecutive road games in three years and – for the first time under coach Bruce Boudreau – have allowed five goals in three straight games. Tonight they hope to bounce back against Southeast Division rival Carolina. Check out a preview from this morning’s print edition here.
The lineup itself is still up in the air, according to reports from Raleigh. All three goalies took part in the morning skate and Semyon Varlamov might get the nod. Not ideal because the Caps had hoped to give him more time in Hershey. But if Varlamov could make it through a pair of weekend games in the AHL over the weekend then with a few days off the team obviously thinks it shouldn’t be a stretch for him to play tonight.
Of course, whether he can just step in and perform at a high level right away remains to be seen. Varlamov played part of one game last month and started one – both against the Bruins – before re-injuring his balky groin. Michal Neuvirth (lower-body injury) is still listed as day-to-day and rookie Braden Holtby hasn’t fared well here lately, but according to WashCaps.com senior writer Mike Vogel he will serve as the back-up goalie tonight.
Meanwhile, defenseman Brian Fahey has also been recalled from Hershey with Tyler Sloan (undisclosed injury) out. That’s an obvious indication that defenseman Tom Poti still isn’t ready – which he confirmed to reporters in Raleigh today. Carolina goalie Cam Ward looks like he’s out after his wife gave birth early this morning. Justin Peters gets the start instead. He’s made 14 appearances in his brief NHL career so far.
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