Senators at Capitals
After clinching the Southeast Division and the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals are looking to stay hot at home heading into the playoffs. The Capitals continue their season-ending three-game homestand on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. Washington has won its last six contests at the Verizon Center, including a 5-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday to clinch its fifth division title in six seasons and ensure home-ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Washington is 10-1-0 in April and 14-2-1 since March 21.
The Senators lost their last two games and are 4-6-0 this month, slipping to seventh place in the conference. Ottawa has been held to two goals or fewer in all of its losses in April and has not scored more than three since March 23. Despite their recent struggles, the Senators can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Washington. A victory would also mean Ottawa’s first season sweep of the Capitals since 1996-97. The Senators posted a 3-2 win on Jan. 29 and a 3-1 triumph on April 18 - Washington’s only regulation loss in the month.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN, TVA, Comcast Sportsnet D.C.
ABOUT THE SENATORS (23-16-6): Erik Karlsson traveled with the team to Washington and could return to the lineup on Thursday, just 10 weeks after his Achilles tendon was partially severed. “I think he’s closer, there’s always a chance,” coach Paul MacLean told reporters before the team left Ottawa on Wednesday. The defending Norris Trophy winner, Karlsson had six goals and 10 points in 14 games before being injured against Pittsburgh and would provide the kind of offensive boost that could make the Senators a dangerous playoff opponent. Goaltender Craig Anderson has started seven of the last eight games for Ottawa since recovering from an ankle injury, but has allowed seven goals over his last two contests.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (26-18-2): Captain Alex Ovechkin set a record for goals during the regular season in April when he added an empty-netter on Tuesday for his league-leading 31st tally. The goal gave Ovechkin 13 this month, passing previous record-holders Mario Lemieux and Alex Zhamnov. With 19 points in April and 31 over his last 19 games, Ovechkin is driving Washington’s late-season surge and gaining buzz as a possible Hart Trophy candidate. The Russian superstar, however, has been held off the scoresheet in both games against the Senators - including a minus-3 performance in last week’s 3-1 defeat. Braden Holtby has started six consecutive games for the Capitals, while Michal Neuvirth allowed two goals in each of his two starts this month - both victories.
OVERTIME
1. Ottawa C Kyle Turris scored twice last week against Washington - his first goals in 14 games.
2. Washington ends its homestand against Boston on Saturday.
3. The Senators have killed off a league-best 88.3 percent of its short-handed situations.
PREDICTION: Capitals 3, Senators 1