Caps (38-20-10, 86 points) vs. Hurricanes (31-28-10, 72 points)
What » Game #69
Where » Verizon Center
When » 7 p.m.
TV » CSN HD
Radio » WFED-1500 AM
The Caps go from playing one of the NHL’s youngest teams – and one far, far from playoff contention – to a team fighting for its Stanley Cup playoff life tonight in the Carolina Hurricanes. Washington has won all four meetings this season with only one of those games going past regulation. Carolina is currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind the No. 8 New York Rangers and No. 7 Buffalo Sabres, who each have 74.
“We’ve seen [the Hurricanes] play at their best and when they’re at their best they’re pretty good,” Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said. “They’re a lot different team than when we’ve seen them. More veterans up front…We’re going to have our hands full.”
Alex Ovechkin, Dennis Wideman, Marco Sturm and Matt Bradley used their option and weren’t on the ice for the morning skate. All four will be in the lineup tonight. Goalie Semyon Varlamov (knee) was out early taking shots. That’s a positive sign, but he’s also not ready to play yet. Michal Neuvirth left the ice first, but earlier than normal for a starting goalie. He’s fine. Look for rookie Braden Holtby to get his second consecutive start. He has stopped 130 of his last 133 shots over five appearances (.977 save percentage) with a 4-0-1 record.
Nicklas Backstrom (fractured left thumb) skated as expected, but took part in the scratches’ workout and will not play. D.J. King, Tyler Sloan, Jay Beagle and Tom Poti joined him. Another good sign that Poti is going through the strenuous post-skate drills. Mike Green also took part on the skate, but did not stay on the ice for extra work.
So the lineup – at least at the start, Boudreau cracked – should remain the same as the Edmonton game. Hard to argue considering the Caps scored at least five goals for the first time since Feb. 16. Overall, they have won six in a row and nine of 11. Washington remains the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. But there are three teams – Boston, Pittsburgh and Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay – that are tied or within two points of the Caps. So no one’s spot is safe at this point in the season.
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