PREMIUM
The Coach's NHL *ICE BREAKER* SPECIAL ($25!)
(NHL) Dallas vs. Washington,
Money Line: -180.00 Washington (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -180.00 Washington (Home)
Result: Loss
The Dallas Stars have resurrected since Tyler Seguin's comeback from injury winning four of their last five. They're off a 5-3 win at Carolina last night, but will face fiercer competition tonight as they'll close out a five game road trip with a stop at Washington to take on the Capitals. The hosts will be looking to make amends after losing two of their first three of a five game home-stand, and I think the Stars will struggle here playing on back-to-back nights.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Goaltending - We're likely to see Jonas Enroth get the nod in the Stars goal here as Kari Lehtonen was tending the net at Carolina last night. Enroth has been a huge disappointment since joining the club from the Sabres, posting a 1-5-0 record behind a 3.36 GAA over seven outings. Washington meanwhile can turn to its star netminder Braden Holtby to make a 12th consecutive start. He's been dominant on home ice all season long, posting a 2.01 GAA over 29 starts.
2. The Caps Power Play - Washington's power play unit ranks among the best in the NHL, second only to the Detroit Red Wings'. It's been particularly prolific of late, finding the net in five consecutive games converting on six of 11 opportunities.
3. X-Factor - Alexander Ovechkin is leading the NHL with his 45 goals on the season and has tallied six over his last four games. The Russian sniper has had decent success against the Stars as well over his career, notching five goals and two assists over nine career meetings.
Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals(5*)
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Goaltending - We're likely to see Jonas Enroth get the nod in the Stars goal here as Kari Lehtonen was tending the net at Carolina last night. Enroth has been a huge disappointment since joining the club from the Sabres, posting a 1-5-0 record behind a 3.36 GAA over seven outings. Washington meanwhile can turn to its star netminder Braden Holtby to make a 12th consecutive start. He's been dominant on home ice all season long, posting a 2.01 GAA over 29 starts.
2. The Caps Power Play - Washington's power play unit ranks among the best in the NHL, second only to the Detroit Red Wings'. It's been particularly prolific of late, finding the net in five consecutive games converting on six of 11 opportunities.
3. X-Factor - Alexander Ovechkin is leading the NHL with his 45 goals on the season and has tallied six over his last four games. The Russian sniper has had decent success against the Stars as well over his career, notching five goals and two assists over nine career meetings.
Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals(5*)