Capitals at Bruins
THE STORY: The Boston Bruins are having trouble winning at TD Garden while the Washington Capitals can't seem to find much success away from home. Something has to give when the clubs meet for a Saturday matinee in Boston. The Bruins have won just three of their last eight home matches while the Capitals have dropped 18 of their last 25 (7-15-3) away from the Verizon Center. Washington will play six of its next seven on the road.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, NHLN, CSW
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (33-28-6): For all of its troubles, Washington is holding onto eighth place in the Eastern Conference by virtue of having more victories than Winnipeg. The Capitals finished a 2-2-1 homestand by rallying to a 3-2 overtime triumph over Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay on Thursday. Captain Alex Ovechkin netted the overtime winner, but was held off the scoresheet in Boston's 4-1 win on Feb. 5.
ABOUT THE BRUINS (40-23-3): Coach Claude Julien's club will vie for its first three-game winning streak of 2012. Northeast Division-leading Boston posted a 5-4 win over Toronto on Tuesday before beating Buffalo 3-1 on Thursday. Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas has fared well versus Washington, improving to 14-4-2 in his career by stopping 35 of 36 shots on Feb. 5. Patrice Bergeron, who notched a pair of assists in that game, has collected two goals and nine helpers in his last seven against the Capitals.
OVERTIME:
1. Washington D Mike Green was suspended three games by the NHL on Friday for his brutal hit to the head of Tampa Bay rookie Brett Connolly. Green, who has been battling injuries this season, has been held off the scoresheet in each of his last 13 contests.
2. Boston C David Krejci has collected six goals in his last seven games, but has just three in 18 career contests versus Washington.