Capitals at Avalanche
THE STORY: Semyon Varlamov gets his first shot at revenge Saturday when his Colorado Avalanche host the Washington Capitals. Varlamov, who was acquired from Washington in July, has posted a 10-13-1 record with one shutout in 24 games with the Avalanche. Colorado, which has won four consecutive contests in his own building, is beginning a four-game homestand. The Capitals enter Saturday's game having won three of their last four matches. However, they have lost five of their last seven on the road.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, CSN Maryland (Washington), Altitude (Colorado)
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (16-13-1): Washington has dominated Colorado recently as it is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings betwen the clubs. The Capitals are 4-4-0 since replacing Bruce Boudreau with Dale Hunter on Nov. 28. Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal in Washington's 1-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. It was just the second tally in nine games for the superstar, who has registered nine of his 10 goals this season on the road.
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (14-17-1): Colorado's power play has been clicking as it is 3-for-4 over the last two games after converting just one of its previous 23 opportunities over a seven-game stretch. David Van der Gulik and Evan Brophey made their season debuts in Thursday's 5-4 road loss to the San Jose Sharks, with Van der Gulik notching an assist. It was the second career game for Brophey, who signed a one-year contract with the Avalanche in July. Paul Stastny recorded three points in Thursday's loss after registering just two over his previous eight contests. Colorado has won six of its last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents.
OVERTIME:
1. The Avalanche have won all four of their home games this month while winning all four of their December road contests.
2. Nicklas Backstrom has scored a goal in five of Washington's last six victories.