The Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins have different needs but the same objective when they play at Verizon Center in this week's Wednesday Night Rivalry game (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, TVA Sports, SNE, SNO, NHL.TV).
The Capitals lead the NHL with 72 points despite losing 3-2 at the New York Islanders on Tuesday. There's little question that they'll qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but their goal for now is to hold off the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
5 Reasons to watch Bruins-Capitals
Washington captain Alex Ovechkin heating up entering Wednesday Night Rivalry game