Predators vs. Capitals: Nashville Looks to Add to 5-Game Win Streak

The Nashville Predators will meet Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals Tuesday night at the Verizon Center. The puck will drop at 7 PM EST, as the Caps look to add another win to their 16-14-1 record.

The Predators and the Capitals are polar opposites in terms of consistency. The Preds are currently on a five-game winning streak after going undefeated during their recent homestand. Perhaps the most interesting note is that the Nashville’s last 10 games have all come down to one goal. The Preds look to take the winning streak to six in a row when they take on the Caps.

The Caps, on the other hand, have struggled with consistency. Other than their seven-game winning streak at the beginning of the season, the Caps have been unable to string together more than two consecutive wins.

Perhaps the team’s inconsistency is due, in part, to the inconsistent performance of team captain Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin, who has a mere 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists), has been unable to score goals in two consecutive games this season. In addition, it has been 20 games since his last multi-point night.

The Capitals' All-Star defenseman Mike Green has been out with a lower body injury since November 12th. As one of the best offensive defensemen in the league, it’s safe to say that the Caps are missing Green on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ice.

Speaking of top-notch offensive defensemen, Predators defenseman Shea Weber has been on a roll, producing more than some NHL forwards. Weber has 16 assists and a whopping eight goals this season. In addition, his plus-15 rating is a testament to his defensive prowess.

Tomas Vokoun, who hasn’t started since being pulled from the net in favor of Michal Neuvirth last Tuesday, is expected to start against the Predators. Vokoun looks to secure his ninth win at the Verizon Center.

Tuesday’s game is also a special one for right winger Mike Knuble, as it is his 1,000th game in the NHL. Caps fans will get to watch a special ceremony for Knuble prior to the game.