Preview: Capitals vs. Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes open a five-game homestand by hosting the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals on the second half of a back-to-back set.
The five-game homestand will span 10 days and take the Canes into the three-day holiday break.

Correcting Mistakes
The front half of this back-to-back set was a frustrating result in Montreal: a 6-4 loss to the Canadiens.
There were some tangible takeaways. Andrei Svechnikov scored two goals, the first multi-goal game of his career, and he was a difference maker on the ice. The Canes didn't have the best first 40 minutes, but they didn't quit and clawed their way back into the game multiple times. And, they potted four goals on Carey Price, perhaps something that will spark some confidence for a team starved for offense.
But, the mistakes outweighed the good, and the Canes couldn't out-score their unforced errors. Careless play with the puck and turnovers led to goals for the Canadiens, and quick responses from Montreal in the third quashed any comeback hopes for the Canes.
"I'm not happy. We needed much more out of certain guys and didn't have it tonight. That's frustrating, especially after we fight to get back," head coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "Terrible game, and we're playing terrible, but we dig and get back and make really bad decisions. That's the frustrating part for me."
PROJECTED LINEUP
The Canes have surrendered 10 goals in their last two games and have not been pleased with their defensive efforts.
"The guys we count on are making mistakes, and that's a big problem," Brind'Amour said. "Our D have to be better. Let's be honest. Holy moly. That's supposed to be the best part of our group."
So, what needs correcting heading into a match-up against the defending Cup champs?
"The turnovers, number one. The puck's on your tape and suddenly it's on their tape. That can't happen," Brind'Amour said. "Just in general, we weren't competitive enough as a team to start the game. We got what we deserved, really. Yeah, we came back and played pretty good - or better. We looked like a team. But you can't win in the NHL with our group when you play a period of hockey. That's not going to happen."
Svechnikov's Confidence Grows
With each game he plays, Svechnikov is becoming more confident in his abilities in the NHL.
No more was that evident than on his first goal of the game, when he put his size, speed and skill on display in a power drive to the net to score a backhand beauty.
"He had a great night," Jaccob Slavin said. "That first goal was just power."
"Right now, I'm getting more confidence in every game," Svechnikov said.
Svechnikov tied the game briefly in the third period by pumping in his own rebound, and he finished the night with a pair of goals, seven shots on goal, nine shot attempts and a hit in 16:46 of ice time.
"You can see the confidence coming," Slavin said. "He's a strong kid who skates really well. When he starts driving wide, you know something's going to happen."
"He looked like he was trying to win the game for us. That's what we need more of," Brind'Amour said.
"He's getting to be dynamic with the puck."
The Barnaul, Russia, native will now line up against a countryman and one of the greatest to play the game in Alex Ovechkin.
"He's good, and they've got a good team," Svechnikov said. "We want to win that game."
The Opposition
The Capitals are coming off a 6-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday in which leading scorer Alex Ovechkin recorded a hat trick and Nicklas Backstrom recorded four assists. The victory was the Capitals' third in a row and 10th in their last 12 games. The defending champs sit atop the Metropolitan Division with 39 points (18-9-3).
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Be Aware
The Caps have offensive weapons, most notable of which is Alex Ovechkin, who had a hat trick in his last game and points in 12 straight. Be aware of who is on the ice and work to shut them down.
2. Take Charge
The Canes were not good enough in their own end in Montreal, and it cost them. They need their leaders to lead with solid play on the back end.
3. Put it Together
The Canes have shown flashes of goodness recently, but they haven't been able to put it all together for a complete, 60-minute effort. It's going to take just that tonight.
AT THE RINK
It's a 7:30 p.m. puck drop, but doors will open at 6 p.m. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Bojangles' mystery gift card valued between $1 and $100. Good luck! Bo Time is in your future. And, it's Friday, which means 16 oz. aluminum bottles of Bud Light are just $5.
The Toy Drive continues through Sunday, Dec. 16. Fans who donate one new, unopened toy will receive a $10 coupon to Buffalo Brothers and will be entered to win a gameday experience or autographed prize. More details can be found
here
.
The first cash drawing of the 50/50 Raffle will take place tonight. Half of the jackpot will raise funds for children's health and educational needs throughout North Carolina while the other half goes to one lucky winner. Ticket prices and all the raffle details can be found
here
.
WORTH A CLICK
News
Videos
Gameday Links
WATCH, LISTEN & STREAM
Watch: FOX Sports Carolinas,
FOX Sports app
Listen: 99.9 The Fan,
Hurricanes app
,
Hurricanes.com/Listen