T.M. Selection: Washington Capitals.

While I do think an outright win is possible, in a contest that I believe will be much more exciting and tight than what this spread is suggesting, I'm grabbing the visitors on spread option (puckline.) Washington is in a dog fight just to get in the playoffs right now, tied with the Wings for ninth spot, but just one game behind the 7th and 8th spots. It's a log-jam with just under two weeks left to go in the regular season. Carolina is in third. It's tied with Florida with 101 points. Regardless, it's the Capitals who will be risking life and limb here to pull off the upset. I say that'll be enough with the 1.5 goals to get us the money here on this one on Friday night.

T.M. Prediction: 4-3 Washington.