Capitals Host Blue Jackets

The Washington Capitals try to get over .500 for the first time since being 10-9-3 when the Columbus Blue Jackets come to town on Day 135. Washington is 28-28-11 and one point out of the playoffs.

Dynamic winger Zigmund Palffy leads the Caps with 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points. Anson Carter has 25 goals and 25 assists, while Patrick Marleau adds 18 goals and 31 points to the attack. Mikael Renberg (45), Frantisek Lukes (43), and Todd Warriner (41) are also contributing with more than 40 points each.

On defense Rob Blake has six goals and 34 assists for 40 points. Bryan Berard is also playing well with 11 goals and 17 assists, while Dan Boyle adds 26 points.

In goal, Manny Legace is 22-23-8 with a 3.26 GAA and .881 save percentage. Backup Peter Skudra is 5-5-3 with a 3.02 GAA and .891 save percentage.

The Blue Jackets are led by a pair of forwards with more than 50 points. David Vyborny has 24 goals and 30 assists, while Christian Berglund has 25 goals and 25 assists. Cory Stillman adds 41 points, and Jeff Halpern is chipping in with 40 points.

On the blue line, rookie Tim Gleason has 13 goals and 26 assists to lead the way. Martin Hohener is also playing well with five goals and 33 assists, and Deron Quint adds 34 points to the attack.

Between the pipes, Dan Blackburn is 22-38-8 with a 3.36 GAA and .881 save percentage. Backup Arturs Irbe is 0-1-0 with a 4.50 GAA and .861 save percentage in 16 appearances.