It's a rematch of Sunday's game in our Nation's Capital as the Washington Capitals, (25-18-2) visit the Carolina Hurricanes, (16-24-8) tonight at the RBC.
The Canes have now lost two straight after beating both Boston and Tampa Bay in previous contests. Since Sunday, the Caps have lost one and won one, both by 3-0 scores.
The Hurricanes swapped callups this week when they sent Brett Sutter back to Charlotte and recalled Zac Dalpe. Chad LaRose remains out as does Jaroslav Spacek. The lines will start as follows:
- Tlusty, Staal, Ruutu
- Jokinen, Skinner, Dalpe
- Dwyer, Sutter, Nodl
- Stewart, Brent, Ponikarovsky
- Gleason, Allen
- Faulk, Harrison
- McBain, Joslin
Cam Ward will be facing Tomas Vokoun in net.
The Hurricanes have not fared well against this team in recent years. They went 1-4-1 against Washington last year and have yet to win a game this season in three attempts.
Several Washington players also do very well individually against Carolina. The following average better than a point a game: Nicklas Backstrom: 31 points in 27 games, Alexander Semin: 45 points in 38 games, and Alex Ovechkin: 59 points in 44 games.
For more info about the Capitals, visit our neighbors at Japers' Rink:
Jussi Jokinen is the only streaking Hurricane and he has two points in two games.
Cam Ward is 14-10-4 lifetime against the Caps with three shutouts. Vokoun is 13-10-5 in his career against Carolina with two shutouts.
The game will be televised locally by FS Carolinas. Brian and I will be covering the game live starting at 6:30.