Capitals at Blackhawks
THE STORY: The Washington Capitals attempt to maintain their hold on a playoff spot as they continue their road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. Washington, which is 1-1-0 on its five-game trek, owns a two-point lead on Winnipeg for the eighth and final postseason berth in the Eastern Conference. The Blackhawks, who have earned at least one point in seven of their last eight (6-1-1), trail Nashville by four points for fifth in the West.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (36-29-6): Washington has struggled on the road, losing 19 of its last 28 away from home. However, it has won three of its last four as the visitor. Nicklas Backstrom, who hasn't played since Jan. 3 due to a concussion, has been symptom-free but has no intention of making a premature return to action, using Pittsburgh superstar Sidney Crosby as an example. "That's something I don't want to do," Backstrom said. "I don't want to see that happen. I couldn't understand his injury before I got one. It's a little frustrating, and at the same time, you've got to be careful. Your head is very important for the rest of your life."
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (39-25-8): Corey Crawford made his first start in goal since Feb. 29 on Friday, stopping 21 of 22 shots in the win at Dallas. It was his first victory since posting a 2-1 triumph over Detroit on Feb. 21. Crawford got the start mainly because Ray Emery remained home in Chicago with an illness. Dave Bolland's goal 10 seconds into the game against the Stars was two ticks shy of matching the franchise record for the fastest tally to begin a contest. Brent Sutter scored eight seconds into a game against Vancouver on Feb. 5, 1995. Chicago has earned at least one point in each of its last four home contests (3-0-1) and has won 10 of 13 in its own building.
OVERTIME:
1. Chicago has won six straight games against Eastern Conference opponents while Washington has captured 10 of 13 meetings with Central Division clubs.
2. The Capitals are 5-2-1 in their last eight visits to the United Center.