Photo: NHL/Getty Images
2017 has been a relatively good calendar year for the Washington Capitals. From a franchise record 15-game home winning streak, to clinching their second straight Presidents Trophy, to big individual accomplishments such as Alex Ovechkin’s 1,000th point and Braden Holtby’s 200th win, 2017 gave Capitals fans plenty to cheer about. The Capitals have three more games before the calendar turns to 2018. Let’s take a quick look at each opponent.
NEW YORK RANGERS
This is the second meeting between the two teams this season. Washington won the first meeting 4-2 back on Dec. 8 at Capital One Arena. New York is fourth in the Metropolitan Division and is four points behind the Caps for second place.
The Rangers come into this contest having lost two straight, a shootout to the Devils in Newark on Thursday and a 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs at MSG. For the Rangers, this is their last game in New York before taking on the Buffalo Sabres on New Years Day at Citi Field in the Winter Classic. For more storylines on the Capitals vs. Rangers “Rivalry Night” matchup, click here.
BOSTON BRUINS
Since their loss to the Capitals back on Dec. 14 in Boston, the Bruins have earned points in each of their next five games, going 4-0-1 in that stretch. Their most recent win came Saturday night at home against the Red Wings in a 3-1 affair. The Bruins sit in third place in the Atlantic Division with 43 points, just two points behind the Maple Leafs. Prior to their matchup with the Capitals, the Bruins will host the Ottawa Senators.
The Capitals will look to continue their dominance at Capital One Arena and their dominance over the Bruins. Washington has won 11 in a row against Boston and will look to make it 12 this Thursday night.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
The Devils have been somewhat of a surprise as they currently sit atop of the Metropolitan Division standings, just one point ahead of the Capitals entering Wednesday’s slate of games. The Devils are winners for four in a row including a shootout thriller over the Rangers 4-3 on Thursday and a 4-1 win over the Blackhawks on Saturday, both at “The Rock”.
The Devils feature 2017 #1 overall pick Nico Hischier, who has posted five goals and 16 assists for 21 points. They will host the Red Wings on Wednesday night and the Sabres Friday night before taking on the Capitals in DC on Saturday.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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