:caps: @ :jackets: Preview
CAPITALS (24-21-8) at BLUE JACKETS (26-23-4)
TV: CSN-DC, FS-O
Last 10: Washington 3-5-2; Columbus 7-3-0
Season series: The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets play for the fourth and final time this season. Washington has taken two of three, with Columbus winning 5-1 in the teams' previous game on Jan. 17.
Big story: A win Thursday would be the Capitals' first against a Metropolitan Division opponent since Dec. 27 (New York Rangers). Washington and Columbus each have 56 points, but the Blue Jackets are ahead in the standings with more regulation and overtime wins.
The Capitals are after their first three-game winning streak since Dec. 7-10 and know each point is crucial playing in a packed division.
"Guys realize we have to get wins, we want to have a good feeling going into the Olympic break," forward Jason Chimera said. "If you're in the [Stanley Cup] Playoffs looking down during the Olympic break it's going to be a better break instead of looking up that whole time. You want to know you're in a good position."
The Blue Jackets have lost three straight following an eight-game winning streak, but are 6-1-0 while outscoring opponents 32-17 in their past seven games against division foes at Nationwide Arena.
CAPITALS (24-21-8) at BLUE JACKETS (26-23-4)
TV: CSN-DC, FS-O
Last 10: Washington 3-5-2; Columbus 7-3-0
Season series: The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets play for the fourth and final time this season. Washington has taken two of three, with Columbus winning 5-1 in the teams' previous game on Jan. 17.
Big story: A win Thursday would be the Capitals' first against a Metropolitan Division opponent since Dec. 27 (New York Rangers). Washington and Columbus each have 56 points, but the Blue Jackets are ahead in the standings with more regulation and overtime wins.
The Capitals are after their first three-game winning streak since Dec. 7-10 and know each point is crucial playing in a packed division.
"Guys realize we have to get wins, we want to have a good feeling going into the Olympic break," forward Jason Chimera said. "If you're in the [Stanley Cup] Playoffs looking down during the Olympic break it's going to be a better break instead of looking up that whole time. You want to know you're in a good position."
The Blue Jackets have lost three straight following an eight-game winning streak, but are 6-1-0 while outscoring opponents 32-17 in their past seven games against division foes at Nationwide Arena.
