After stocking up on talent during the offseason, the Washington Capitals have vaulted into first place in the Eastern Conference at 21-6-2. This Wednesday (7 PM ET, TSN), the Capitals host the Ottawa Senators (16-10-5), who are treading water in the East while a number of key players sit out injured.
The Capitals are in their second year under head coach Barry Trotz, and the front office gave his program a substantial boost in personnel by acquiring the likes of right wing Justin Williams (eight goals, 10 assists) and right wing TJ Oshie (10 goals, seven assists). Between their added offense and the stellar goalkeeping of Braden Holtby (.933 save percentage), the Caps have been able to beat the puck line for 9.98 betting units on a record of 15-14 ATS.
Ottawa (13-18 ATS, –6.10 units) was supposed to go through a rebuilding phase following the dismissal of head coach Paul MacLean last December, but they have played quite well under former assistant Dave Cameron. Now they have to weather the loss of left wing Milan Michalek (five goals, three assists) and left wing Clark MacArthur (16 goals, 20 assists last year) for an extended period due to injuries.
The Ottawa Senators (16-10-5) have played some good hockey since former assistant head coach Dave Cameron took over for Paul MacLean last December. Can they keep it up this Wednesday (7 PM ET, TSN) when they host the East-leading Washington Capitals (21-6-2)?
It won't be easy without left wing Milan Michalek (five goals, three assists), who joins left wing Clark MacArthur (16 goals, 20 assists last year) on the injured list. On top of that, defenseman Chris Phillips (20:54 minutes last year) might not play at all this year after undergoing back surgery during the offseason.
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