Capitals Prepare to Host Senators

The Washington Capitals begin the final 10-game run for the playoffs on Day 145 when the Ottawa Senators come to town. Washington is tied for seventh in the Wales Conference at 31-30-11. Ottawa is out of the playoff chase at 26-42-7 but hopes to play the spoiler role.

Dynamic and experienced winger Zigmund Palffy leads the way for the Caps with 27 goals and 46 assists for 73 points. Patrick Marleau has 26 goals and 35 assists, and new arrival David Vyborny has 57 points. Anson Carter adds 25 goals and 29 assists, and veteran Mikael Renberg contributes 52 points.

On defense, Rob Blake has seven goals and 34 assists. Bryan Berard adds 11 goals and 30 points, and Dan Boyle is chipping in with 29 points.

In goal, Manny Legace is 24-25-8 with a 3.24 GAA and .881 save percentage. Backup Peter Skudra is 6-5-3 with a 2.91 GAA and .894 save percentage.

Ottawa has a pair of veteran forwards leading the way in Brendan Morrison and Petr Nedved. Morrison has 29 goals and 37 assists, while Nedved has 27 goals and 37 assists. Teemu Selanne adds 51 points, while Michael Ryder contributes 50 points.

On the blue lines, Dick Tarnstrom adds to the offense with 11 goals and 33 assists. Tom Poti is also contributing with 12 goals and 27 assists, while Alexei Zhitnik is chipping in with 34 points.

Between the pipes, Roman Turek is 19-33-3 with a 3.85 GAA and .871 save percentage. Fred Brathwaite is 6-9-4 with a 3.29 GAA and .881 save percentage.