Washington Capitals vs. Nashville Predators - 12/7/13

Nashville Predators (13-13-3) at Washington Capitals (14-12-2)

NHL Hockey: Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 7:00 pm (Verizon Center)

The Line: Washington Capitals -152 / Nashville Predators +138 --- Over/Under: 5.5 See the Latest Odds

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The Washington Capitals got back to their winning ways after a losing streak but they were unable to keep it going on Tuesday night when they hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Things fell apart quickly in this one with the Capitals allowing three goals in less than a four minute span late in the second period to put the game out of reach. Washington was trailing 1-0 at that point but it shows just how fast a game can get away from you if your execution slips. Braden Holtby was pulled after allowing the fourth goal but he wasn't given much help in this one. Mike Green scored the only goal of the game for the Capitals and it didn't come until almost midway through the third period. Alex Ovechkin was a -2 on the night and despite being on the ice for more than seven minutes of power play time he was unable to help Washington score more than once in five tries with the man advantage. Now a Nashville Predators club comes to town on Saturday night that has lost four straight games and as usual is having trouble putting the puck in the net. Over the four losses the Predators have lit the lamp just five times while allowing 14. The Predators are 13-13-3 and their record is accurate in portraying just how inconsistent this hockey club has been this year. Nashville hosted the Hurricanes on Thursday night and fell behind 24 seconds into the game before rallying to take the lead in the second period. Goals by Mike Fisher and Viktor Stalberg gave the Predators a 2-1 lead before Carolina scored three times in the period. Marek Mazanec dropped to 5-6-1 with the loss and much like the rest of the club the goaltending has been inconsistent at best in the absence of Pekka Rinne. This is a chance for the Capitals to take advantage of a struggling club on their home ice. Focusing on the defensive end should provide the Capitals a good opportunity to take this one.