The Washington Capitals look for their seventh straight win. They have a four-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets for first place in the Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference and NHL standings. "I wouldn't say our game has been totally complete," coach Barry Trotz said after the morning skate. "For the most part this group has stayed focused on being consistent and it has a willingness to keep learning rather than ignoring things that come up in our game. We're open-minded about getting things fixed. We're trying to finish first in the Metro and get any advantage possible, but and team you get in the [Stanley Cup Playoffs] is going to be tough." Washington had two power-play goals in a 5-3 win at the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday and has scored 34 power-play goals in its past 37 games (34-for-110; 30.9 percent). The Capitals are 35-5-2 when they have scored at least once on the power play. Alex Ovechkin is tied with Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning for first in the League with 17 power-play goals and needs one point to pass Alexander Mogilny (1,032 points) for second place among Russian-born players behind Sergei Fedorov (1,179). Ovechkin has 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 13 career games against the Coyotes and is two goals behind Guy Lafleur (560) for 25th on the NHL's all-time list. Braden Holtby, who did not play against Colorado, will make his ninth start in the past 10 games. He is 6-0-1 and has allowed 15 goals in his past seven starts.
