The Washington Capitals had their nine-game winning streak snapped against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Now, they hope to start a new streak against a red-hot team in their own right in the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m.
The Capitals lost their streak, but will get back a key player. Center Nicklas Backstrom will return to the lineup for the first time since March 7 after fracturing his thumb. Backstrom hasn't been missed much yet, but his return will be a huge boost to the team.
The Devils, meanwhile, have lost just four regulation games in their last 29 contests, and sit on the doorstep of a playoff berth. This will not be an easy game for the Capitals, even given the way they are playing right now.
The Capitals can clinch a playoff spot with a win in this game, and they could also move into at least a share of first place.