Need to Know: Bruins vs. Capitals

BOSTON - Patrice Bergeron knows the number. Quite frankly, it's hard from him to escape it.
"I think we all know. We're all aware. You guys do a good job of reminding us," Bergeron joked while addressing the media on Thursday morning.
He was referring to the Bruins' current 13-game losing steak against the Washington Capitals, who arrive at TD Garden on Thursday night as the defending Stanley Cup champions. Boston is 0-10-3 against the Caps during that stretch, including a 7-0 loss in Washington on Opening Night.

The Bruins' last win against the Capitals? March 29, 2014.
"We're gonna have our day against them. Is it tonight? Well, if we come ready to play and do the right things then hopefully it is," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy.

Part of Washington's perennial success against the Bruins has been the play of goaltender Braden Holtby, who is 15-2-0 with a 1.84 goals against average, .943 save percentage, and four shutouts in 17 career games against Boston. During the Caps' 13-game winning streak against the Bruins, the netminder is 11-0-0 with a 1.53 GAA and .950 save percentage.
"We end up defending, chasing the game…they've consistently been a good team, obviously," said Cassidy. "It's not like we haven't talked about how we're gonna attack them. Part of it is we end up chasing the game a lot against them and it just makes it that much more difficult against a good goaltender. They start to smell blood."
The Bruins are hoping this matchup comes at the perfect time as they try to extend their own winning streak to six games.
"I think obviously you've got to be in the present, but obviously we need to find some desperation against a team like Washington that's given us a lot of difficulties in the past and hopefully we can move forward with a big win," said Bergeron.
"Any time you're playing some good hockey it establishes some confidence and hopefully you try to right that momentum heading into the game and during the game. We're gonna try to use that tonight."

Short and Sweet

The Bruins' penalty kill has been the best in the league for the last few weeks, clicking at a 93.9% success rate since Dec. 14. Boston. Now 11th in the NHL at 81.1% for the season, Boston's PK has killed off 15 straight penalties and 32 of its last 34 over the last 12 games.
Coach Bruce Cassidy says a slight adjustment to become more aggressive while shorthanded has helped right the ship.
"Being aggressive," Bergeron said of the biggest change. "On the same page, but not giving the power plays too much time to make the plays that they want and I think wanting to deny that time and apace. That's when you're successful you can't be reckless. If it's done the right way and on the same page, usually it gives you some good results."

Thursday's Projected Lineup

Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk - David Krejci - David Backes
Danton Heinen - Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson - Ryan Donato
Sean Kuraly - Noel Acciari - Chris Wagner
Zdeno Chara - Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug - John Moore
Matt Grzelcyk - Kevan Miller
Jaroslav Halak
Tuukka Rask
Scratches: Colby Cave and Steven Kampfer