Washington was a season-best 17-9-2 in early December. Since then, they have gone 6-7-4. But even though the Capitals have tailed off, they are eight points better than the Predators. Washington looked good in a 5-1 road win on Friday against the Blackhawks. Nashville hosted the Blackhawks last night and lost, 3-0. The Predators were blanked by third-string Chicago goalie Drew Commesso, who was playing in only his fourth NHL game. Juuse Saros was in net for the Predators. That means Nashville is likely to start backup goalie Justus Annunen, who has a 3.29 goals against average and an .878 save percentage. Annunen allowed three goals on six shots in his only career appearance versus Washington. Capitals starter Logan Thompson is projected to be in net. Thompson is 5-1-0 with a 2.02 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in six career games versus the Predators. Nashville is 1-5 this season when playing without rest. Take the Capitals.
