Pre-Game: Capitals @ Devils

After exploding for 11 goals over the weekend, the Caps head to Jersey to face the 5th best team in goals allowed. Washington is 9-1-2 against the Atlantic Division, but just 1-1-1 against the Devils. With a win, the Capitals can pull within 10 points of the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins, and with a loss, New Jersey can jump Washington in the standings for second place.

With Chris Clark (most likely) out for the season with wrist surgery, the Caps will need increased performances from Eric Fehr and David Steckel. The healthy scratch will probably be Michael Nylander Matt Bradley.

The injury bug seems to cling on to Brent Johnson as well, which forces Michal Neuvirth to be called-up from Hershey. Jose Theodore has just five wins in 19 games against New Jersey and allowed five goals on 33 shots in his last outing against the Devils.

Earlier in the season, the Devils were the only team in the Eastern Conference that Alex Ovechkin had not recorded a multi-point game against...that ended November 14th, and I predict big numbers for the Great 8 in tonight's crucial game.