Game #55
Caps (36-12-6, 78 points) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (22-20-11, 55 points)
The Caps try to match a little history this afternoon at Verizon Center against the Tampa Bay Lightning when they go for a 10th straight win. That’s only happened once in team history – a 10-game streak late in the 1983-84 season. The last team to beat Washington? These same Lightning, 7-4 on Jan. 12 in Tampa Bay. That snapped a 12-game losing streak vs. the Caps.
Washington leads the Southeast Division by a whopping 22 points and with 12 wins in January also has a chance to set the franchise record for wins in a month. They are also on top of the Eastern Conference by six points and tied with the Chicago Blackhawks (37-14-4, 78 points) for second-most points in the NHL.
The Caps haven’t fluked their way to many wins during this stretch. They’ve outscored opponents 44-19 and have won 12 of 13 overall. A lineup that has remained stable since Jan. 5 may have a slight tweak. Forward Matt Bradley is battling an undisclosed injury and will be a game-time decision. Remember, he missed a shift in the second period of Friday’s win over Florida – though he eventually returned. Expect Quintin Laing in the lineup if No. 10 can’t play. Jose Theodore is ready to go in goal after leaving Tuesday’s win over the Islanders with a hip injury. And of course the Caps will be without defenseman Mike Green, who is suspended for three games thanks to an elbow on Florida’s Michale Frolik on Friday. Tyler Sloan returns to the lineup in his place for the first time since a win vs. Pittsburgh on Jan. 21.
