East-Leading Capitals Set to Face Contending Senators

The Ottawa Senators look to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Washington Capitals, who lead the Eastern Conference standings, on Thursday night.

Capitals Continue to Dominate Despite Streak Ending

Washington (10-1-3 in last 14) has been one of the NHL’s most consistent teams, bouncing back from their six-game winning streak ending with a 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

Goaltender Logan Thompson continues to be a difference-maker, stopping 32 shots against Calgary. Fresh off signing a six-year, $35.1 million contract extension, Thompson has been virtually unbeatable since Nov. 25, posting a:

• 15-1-2 record
• 1.74 goals-against average
• .935 save percentage

Thompson credited his teammates:
“Even if we’re giving up a lot of shots, I’m able to see them, and I’m a big believer in if I can see it, I can stop it.”

Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Aliaksei Protas scored in the win over Calgary, and Washington has now allowed two or fewer goals in eight straight games.

Despite the team’s success, Alex Ovechkin remains 20 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record (894). He has just one goal in his past five games.

Senators Staying Hot in Playoff Push

Ottawa (7-2-1 in last 10) has turned its season around and inserted itself into the Eastern Conference playoff race after a 3-1 victory over Utah on Sunday.

Rookie Leevi Merilainen stopped 34 shots, improving to 5-1-1 in his last seven starts.

Claude Giroux (1G, 1A), Tim Stützle (2A), Brady Tkachuk (1G), and Ridly Greig (1G) all contributed as Ottawa found a way to win despite not playing its cleanest game.

“We just found a way to win,” Tkachuk said. “Leevi made some huge saves for us. We’ve learned to grind out these wins.”

Tkachuk ended a 10-game scoreless streak with his 19th goal of the season.

The Senators have also thrived in back-to-backs, going 6-0-0 in weekend sets over the past three weeks.

Previous Matchup & What’s at Stake

Washington won the first meeting of the season on Jan. 16, as Ovechkin scored the game-winner in overtime for a 1-0 victory.

Thompson recorded a 24-save shutout, while Merilainen made 25 saves in a tough loss.

With Ottawa climbing the standings and Washington holding the league’s top spot, Thursday’s matchup could have big playoff implications. Will the Capitals continue their dominance, or can the Senators prove they belong among the East’s elite?

Puck drop in Ottawa is set for 7:00 PM ET.