Here are some news and notes in preparation for Tuesday's game between the Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators:
- Tomas Vokoun will start for the Caps against his former team of seven seasons. He will be opposed by Pekka Rinne, who has never faced Washington, but has not lost in regulation since October 25. Rinne has been in goal for all eight of Nashville's wins this season.
- Based on morning skate, Mathieu Perreault is likely to be the healthy scratch for Washington.
- John Erskine and Roman Hamrlik will play for the Caps after the former sat out of Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils with soreness and the latter did not play in the third period after suffering an upper-body injury.
- With a win, the Caps will maintain their lead in the Southeast Division, but a regulation loss and a Florida Panthers win over the Dallas Stars will put them in a tie. Washington has one game in hand.