The Capitals have a feisty opponent tonight in the Nashville Predators, who are fresh off an overtime win over the Jets. If you hadn’t heard, the Capitals halted a four-game losing streak with a win over the Wild on Tuesday night. (Did your hand cramp from hitting the panic button too many times?)

Hopefully, your fears have been quelled, and you’re free to enjoy tonight’s game. The Predators are third in the Central Division and clawing for a top playoff seed. Oh, and that kid Filip Forsberg notched a goal and an assist in his last game.

Puck drop at 7 PM on CSN.

Projected Lines

Ovechkin – Backstrom – Oshie
Johansson – Kuznetsov – Williams
Connolly – Eller – Vrana
Winnik – Beagle – Wilson

Alzner – Carlson
Orlov – Niskanen
Orpik – Shattenkirk

Holtby

Barry Trotz is getting deep.

Something not in the story: when Trotz was saying how some things can't be measured with numbers, he asked, "How do you measure love?"

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 16, 2017

Storylines

• Some required reading if you’re still experiencing heart palpitations and/or embracing nihilism.
• Alex Ovechkin finally scored — but what does that goal drought mean for this season’s scoring stats?
• With Kevin Shattenkirk and Nate Schmidt on the Capitals’ roster, where does Brooks Orpik fit in? The answer: safely in the lineup, as Nate Schmidt is once again scratched.
• In the Caps’ last win, Nicklas Backstrom made franchise history once again.
• Andre Burakovsky‘s return is imminent. Hooray!
• Are the Caps taking too many penalties?
• A look at the Predators’ strengths and weaknesses.
• What happens when you get Tom Wilson, Andre Burakovsky, and a Lego beard?
• Have you heard? RMNB’s “Worst State Ever” shirt comes in some sick new colors.
• Elliotte Friedman has some thoughts about the Caps and the Penguins playing each other.
• For Brenden Dillon and Austin Watson, there’s no better time than an on-ice fight to make summer plans.

Treat Yo’ Self

Food Wishes rules.

Full Coverage of Caps vs Predators