If the Blackhawks want to stretch their win streak to double digits, they'll have to get through two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this weekend in Washington and Montreal. The Capitals, Friday's opponent, sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division and fourth in the conference, and entered the season as one of the potential juggernauts in the East after winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2015-16.
Although the Caps have strong underlying numbers and sit in favorable position, they haven't looked quite as dominant as they were last year, due in large part to a faltering power play. While Washington had the league's fifth-ranked power play last season, they're clicking at 13.2 percent through 12 games this year, 24th in the league.
Overall, the Caps offense is currently sitting in the middle of the league, although they certainly have the firepower to change that in a hurry. And they have already started, to some extent: After averaging 2.33 goals per game in their first six games of the season, that number has improved to 3.17 over the next six, even counting Tuesday's shutout loss.
Chicago's 2-1 victory in St. Louis on Wednesday was more of the same: a spectacular outing by goaltender Corey Crawford, who allowed just one goal on 28 shots, a team effort to kill three minor penalties and timely goals from top forwards. Marian Hossa tallied his seventh goal of the season (and fourth in four games) in the second period, and Artemi Panarin added the overtime game-winner to secure both points. Meanwhile, the Capitals had a five-game win streak snapped on Tuesday, when they were shut out 3-0 by San Jose.
Blackhawks host Ovechkin-led Capitals on Veterans Day
