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The Washington Capitals (22-10-3) faceoff with the Carolina Hurricanes (15-15-5) at Capital One Arena on Thursday Dec. 27 for a 7 p.m. puck drop. This is their second of four meetings, with the Capitals winning the first matchup in an overtime. The Thursday night game will be broadcasted on NBCSN Washington and Fox Sports Carolinas.
The Capitals are coming off a Saturday night 4-0 win over the Ottawa Senators. They also hosted the Buffalo Sabres Friday night, winning 2-1.
The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off a 5-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
What to watch for in the Washington Capitals:
Ovechkin still leads the league in goals scored so far this season, tallying 29 in 35 games. Ovechkin had back-to-back hat tricks in games on Dec. 11 and Dec. 14. His last goal was in the Dec. 15 game against Buffalo. He has not recorded a goal in three games now. Ovechkin is due for a goal this game, after only recording an assist in Saturday night’s game. He has had a four-day break and should be rested up after back-to-back games.
Jakub Vrana is on pace to have his career high in goals this season. Last season he collected 13 goals, currently he has 10. He scored in Saturday’s game against the Senators. Vrana’s speed has been his strength this season, being able to create breakaways that have helped with his scoring opportunities.
Holtby is expected to be in net Thursday after Copley started in Saturday’s game against the Senators, where he collected his first NHL shutout. Holtby was stellar in the Dec. 21 game against the Buffalo Sabres. He saved 36 of the 37 shots faced, including a magnificent blue line save.
What to watch for in the Carolina Hurricanes:
Sebastian Aho has had an underrated season so far. He has recorded 14 goals and 24 assists in 35 games. The last game against the Capitals on Dec. 14, Aho recorded two goals and two assists. He is a key part to the Hurricanes offensive production. In Sunday’s game against the Boston Bruins, Aho recorded two goals and two assists.
Along with Aho, Teuvo Teravainen had was a productive game against the Capitals and will be looking for another three-point night on Thursday. In the first matchup against the Capitals, Teravainen recorded a goal and two assists. Teravainen mirrored Aho in Sunday’s win, recording two goals and two assists as well.
McElhinney is expected in net for Thursday night’s matchup at Capital One Arena, as Petr Mrazek started played all of Sunday’s game.
Prediction: Capitals 4- Hurricanes 3 (OT)
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