Washington, DC-When the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals last met at Verizon Center, the Habs were celebrating a Game Seven victory in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The Caps blew a 3-1 series lead and were on the receiving end of one of the worst playoff collapses in NHL history. Before Washington heads to Pittsburgh for the Winter Classic, it will look to exact revenge on the Canadiens Tuesday at Verizon Center.
Since ending their eight-game losing streak, the Capitals are 3-0-1. In their last game Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes, Alex Ovechkin scored for the first time since December 6 in a 3-2 victory. Ovechkin added an assist as well, giving him his first multi-point night in a month.
Mathieu Perreault also scored against Carolina, but left the game after breaking his nose in a hit from Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason. Perreault is listed as day-to-day and will probably miss Tuesday's game, but aims to return for the Winter Classic.
Also looking for a Winter Classic return is Jeff Schultz, who has been out sicne breaking his thumb December 6. Schultz could make his return Tuesday if he is cleared to play after warmups.
With Marcus Johansson also out with an undisclosed injury, the Capitals recalled center Keith Aucoin from AHL Hershey to fill the open roster spot.
The Canadiens are 1-3 on a season-high seven-game road trip. Carey Price is currently having one of his best starts with 19 wins, a 2.27 GAA and .923 SV%.