The Capitals have not lost against the Bruins since a 4-2 home defeat on March 29, 2014. Washington, which won its first meeting against Boston this season 3-2 on Nov. 4, is 8-2-0 in its past 10 games. The Bruins, looking for their fourth straight win, are 9-2-0 in their past 11 games following a 3-2 overtime triumph at the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
Players to watch
Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in his past 10 games. He has 21 goals this season, tied with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov for the NHL lead. Bruins forward David Pastrnak has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in a nine-game point streak, and leads Boston in goals (15) and points (28).
They said it
"I think it's a weapon against not only teams that have played the night before but during the regular season. You've got four lines that are coming over the boards, you get production through your whole lineup, I think it keeps everybody fresher, it keeps the pace of your game a lot quicker." -- Capitals coach Barry Trotz on having four reliable forward lines "This shows you what kind of character we have on this team. We've been stepping up to win games, and that's what you need to have a good team." -- Bruins forward Brad Marchand after a 3-2 overtime victory against the Red Wings on Wednesday
The Capitals will use the same lineup as they did Tuesday. … Oshie skated Thursday and there's a possibility he will practice Friday. ... The Bruins did not hold a morning skate. … Khudobin is expected to start for the first time since Dec. 4 after Rask played Wednesday. … Miller will replace Postma after missing the win at Detroit for the birth of his child.
Stat pack
Holtby is 12-2-0 with a 1.81 goals-against average and .944 save percentage against the Bruins. ... Marchand has 10 points (six goals, four assists) in a six-game point streak since returning from an undisclosed injury.
