Photo: Amanda Bowen

We last saw the Caps in action on Super Bowl Sunday, when they added two points at the Flyers’ expense. While the Flyers aren’t exactly stiff competition, it always feels really, really good to beat them. Also, props to Matt Niskanen for scoring an absolute dazzler of a goal.

Now, the Caps are gunning for four straight with a win against the Preds, who are sixth in the Western Conference and fourth in the Central Division. The two teams have yet to square off this season, but the Caps have dropped their last three games played in Smashville.

Take note: the Preds are due for a PDO rebound. Their goaltending is middle-of-the-pack, and they’re capitalizing on just 6.7 percent of their shots at 5v5. Comparatively, the Caps are shooting 8.9 percent. As for goaltending, the mere mention of Braden Holtby’s name should inspire you to eat, drink, and be merry.

The game is at 8, and it’s on CSN.

Projected Lineup

Per Isabelle, MJ90 is back!

Ovechkin – Backstrom – Oshie
Burakovsky – Kuznetsov – Williams
Chimera – Johansson – Wilson
Laich – Richards  – Latta

Alzner – Niskanen
Schmidt – Carlson
Orlov – Chorney

Holtby

Nashville Trivia

Did you know that people who live in Nashville are called Nashvillians? Cool, me neither. Did you know there are bands in Nashville that don’t do country music? Nope! Surprisingly, they do exist. ELEL is such a band. If the quasi-angsty synthesizer and all-caps stylizing of their name weren’t self-evident, here’s a hint: ELEL is hardly a prototypical Nashville band. (They’re also quite good.)

Storylines

• Here’s a few players the Caps might be interested in as the trade deadline approaches. #PAPtoDC.
• Speaking of trades, there was an old-fashioned blockbuster between Ottawa and Toronto today.
• You know the Caps are legit when even NBC is doling out praise.
• Maybe Marcus Johansson‘s return will boost the ailing power play.
• Adam Oates who? The power play may be dead, but the offense isn’t.
• Other than being in a man-on-the-street interview, what does Alex Ovechkin have in common with Gretzky and Gartner?
• Connor Carrick and Paul Carey are back in Chocolatetown.
• The Caps are, unquestionably, slaying the standings.
• Talkin’ ’bout Holtby, workloads, and records.

We Heart Kevin Hart

If you didn’t watch the game, or even the halftime show, I strongly suggest you watch this. 10/10, would recommend. What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial?

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Predators