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| Oh look, how it feels to win a hockey game. |
The Washington Capitals are in Ottawa, Ontario, this evening to take on the Senators as they look to shake off their month long string of poor performances and get some momentum. The Caps, losers of seven of their last ten and 11 of their last 15, enter tonight's game 13-12-1 following a loss in Florida Monday night. They have 27 standings points in 26 games, which places them second in the Southeast, seven points behind the Panthers, and ninth in the Eastern Conference, two points behind the Senators for the eighth and final playoff spot. Ottawa, winners of six of their last ten, have 29 standings points in 27 games, having won their last game over the Lightning on Monday night. This is the third of four meetings between these two clubs this season; the Capitals have won both, including a 3-2 overtime win last Saturday.
Craig Anderson will get the call in goal once more from Paul MacLean following his strong performance against the Bolts, in which he turned aside 31 of 33 shots. On the year, the veteran goaltender is 12-8-2 with a 3.36 GAA and .896 save percentage, but still has the ability to steal a game. The Senators are not expected to be affected by injuries much for this game, either. Defenseman Flilip Kuba is day to day with an upper body injury and may not play, but other than that, only fourth line center Peter Regin is on IR and will not play. Swell.
Dale Hunter will go with Tomas Vokoun in nets following another exceptionally poor performance by Michal Neuvirth on Monday in Florida. Vokoun made 33 on 35 shots saves in his last outing, a loss last Tuesday in Pittsburgh, and on the year is 10-7-0 with a 2.72 GAA, .909 save percentage, and one shutout. Washington needs a huge performance from him not only tonight, but for the rest of the year if they are going to get back on the horse and get some wins. On the injury front, the Caps are still without Mike Green (groin), and Jay Beagle (concussion), as those players are on IR. Roman Hamrlik (upper-body), who has missed the last three games, and Alexander Semin (shoulder), who has missed the last two games, are both questionable.
Puck drops for this one 7:08-ish. Check back later.
I would guess Hendricks to be even more questionable given that he was hurt in the last game, played only 4.5 minutes, and was reported to be limping at practice today.
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