Pre-Game: Capitals vs Blue Jackets

Playing against the Blue Jackets, the Capitals biggest problem has been Rick Nash. The Columbus captain and leading-scorer notched two goals against Washington in their last meeting and has six goals in six games against the Caps.

So how can Washington slow down the 2002 1st overall pick? Well I think Brian Rafalski did the job. Nash got tangled up with Rafalski and slammed feet-first into the boards. Nash did not return after the first period.

So with Nash injured just in time for the Capitals game, rookie goalie Steve Mason is the Caps next biggest concern (but is he legit?)... seeing how injuries just keep piling up for the CBJ.

Let's get to it:

• Speaking of Mason, the kid got three straight shutouts to end December, and has won four of his last six. I'd call that legit. He's also 3-0 with three shutouts (two of the three are different than those mentioned before) against the Eastern Conference, including shutting out the Caps.
• Nash has never played a full season in his six year career.
  
• If you haven't seen Ovechkin's new interview, here it is...I knew she couldn't do the whole interview without asking a 'Vodka' question.
• With a win tonight, Washington will be on track for 118 points... 11 more than their previous season-high of 107 in 1986.
• Columbus' power play ranks dead last at a putrid 10.2%. That's 18 power play goals... By comparison, Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom combine for 16.
• Caps have gone 14-3 since losing to Columbus to end the month of November.
• 18-1-1 speaks for itself, and with the Blue Jackets ailing this time, the pre-game story is pretty much switched.