Caps have redemption on the mind

VISIT OUR SEA OF RED CAPS FORUM

Last time the Washington Capitals faced the New York Rangers, they were marred in a 7 game losing streak, entering Madison Square Garden, looking to rekindle their winning ways.  Instead, what they got was the lowest point of the 8 game losing streak, a 7-0 shutout and an embarrassing performance.  Tonight, the Rangers enter the Sea of Red and the Capitals have red in their eyes, looking for retaliation against the Rangers. 

The Capitals will do so without the likes of Alexander Semin, Tom Poti, Eric Fehr, and Michal Neuvirth.  HC Bruce Boudreau stated today he does not foresee any of these guys back prior to the January 30th All Star Game.   As for the pipes tonight, Holtby was the first off the ice this morning, indicating he will make his third consecutive start in the Net.  Semyon Varlamov tweaked an injury wand will backup Holtby.  In the last two starts since being recalled form Hershey, Holtby is 2-0 with an impressive 1.00 GAA.  He has stopped 59 of 61 shots (.967)

Alexander Ovechkin comes into tonight's game off a hat trick against Toronto, remarkably, his first hat trick of the season.  Ovechkin has heated up, recording 4 goals and 2 assists over his last 3 games.  The top line of Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Jason Chimera continues to impress, since Chimera was moved on Line 1.  Backstorm has heated up as well, bringing a 5 game point streak into tonights game.  Over those 5 games, Backstrom has 1 goal and 6 assists. 

Caps Streaks:

Nicklas Backstrom has a FIVE game point streak and a FIVE game assist streak.

Jason Chimera has a FOUR game point streak.

Alex Ovechkin has a THREE game point streak.

John Carlson has a TWO game point streak.

Braden Holtby has a TWO game winning streak.