CAPITALS (30-17-5) at BLUE JACKETS (27-21-4) 7 p.m. ET; FS-O, NBCSWA, NHL.TV
The Capitals have lost two consecutive games (0-2-0) and are 3-4-2 in the past nine games. They haven't lost three straight in regulation since losing four in a row March 6-12 last season Columbus has lost three straight games (0-2-1), four of its past five and is 10-13-3 since a 4-3 loss at Washington on Dec. 2. The teams will play again at Capital One Arena on Friday.
Players to watch
Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has six points (one goal, five assists) during a four-game point streak. Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson has four points (two goals, two assists) during a four-game point streak.
They said it
"Goaltending is an eraser for you. If you make a mistake they can get you out of some really awful situations. Our goaltenders have done that. I know [goalie Sergei] Bobrovsky has done that for Columbus as well." -- Capitals coach Barry Trotz "We're looking forward to these next two games against one of the top teams in the League. It's a challenge to go out there and play our game. This is a big month for us, basically do or die if we want to make the playoffs. -- Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson
Burakovsky and Vrana switched lines from where they played in a 4-3 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. … The Blue Jackets did not hold a morning skate.
Stat pack
Djoos has an assist in three straight games. … Ovechkin has 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in his past 14 games. Carlson has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in his past 14 games. … The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in regulation twice in the past 13 games and lost them both (0-2-0).
