The Washington Capitals played a competitive game Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks despite having their losing streak extended in a 2-1 overtime loss. With a tough schedule ahead, the Caps hope to finally end their seven-game winless stretch against the Boston Bruins Saturday.
Last year's highest-scoring team has scored just nine goals during their seven-game losing skid, including two shutouts. The "Great 8" Alex Ovechkin has been anything but lately; Ovechkin has just two goals and one assist in his last seven games. Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin are also missing in action, combining for no goals and six assists during the losing streak. Semin missed Wednesday's game with what is now known as a lower-body injury and will not travel with the team to Boston. Semin could meet the team for Sunday's game against the Ottawa Senators.
In other injury/illness news, both Scott Hannan and Tyler Sloan are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are game-time decisions. If neither of them can play, perhaps Brian Fahey could be called up from AHL Hershey. Meanwhile, Michal Neuvirth is expected to start in goal.