Pre-Game: Capitals @ Flyers

In probably the most anticipated game of the season thus far, the Capitals could not be playing better. They have won five in a row, and seven of eight. In addition, they are 5-0-2 against the Atlantic Division this season.

The Flyers have had win streaks of six and five games, respectively, and are 6-2-2 in their last 10. Philly is led by their lethal power play, operating at a staggering 26.6%. They lead the league in home power play goals (27) and are second in the NHL with a 35.1 conversion rate at the Wachovia Center...For those of you who have never been to a game, or noticed it, the Flyers have "Peco Power Plays" and the Capitals have "Pepco Power Plays."

It looks as though Brent Johnson--who played all of zero minutes in last year's playoff series--will get the start. Johnny is 2-6 against the Flyers, but is 7-0-1 in his last eight games in December.

Mike Green is also on the mend, doing his best not to miss the matinee meeting. Green was shaken up during the Capitals victory over the Blues, but has been practicing and should be good to go.

Alex Semin, on the other hand, looks as though he is out for a good couple games. He was in tremendous pain before he exited the Blues game, and is listed as doubtful.

• Nicklas Backstrom currently has a six game point streak. This is the second longest in his career...He had a nine game point streak during the month of November. Backstrom has 12 points in 11 games against Philly and scored his second career goal against Philadelphia in Bruce Boudreau's first game as head coach last November.
• Alex Ovechkin has 12 goals in 12 games against the Flyers, and had four goals in the playoffs last year.
• Tomas Fleischmann played against Philadelphia in his first career game back in 2005...A game that Johnny can forget.