Hurricanes-Capitals Preview
Share This Story
The Carolina Hurricanes were the last team to win in regulation at Washington, and they're one of the NHL's hottest clubs as they get set to return to the nation's capital.
After acquiring a pair of players for the stretch run from their
Southeast Division rival before the trading deadline, the
NHL-leading Capitals are expected to have
Washington's 18-1-1 record in its last 20 home games is a big reason why the Capitals (44-13-9) have a 13-point lead atop the Eastern Conference.
But their only regulation defeat in that stretch was a 6-3 loss to Carolina on Dec. 28 as the Hurricanes' Eric Staal had two goals and three assists. At the time, Carolina was last in the East.
"We were in last for a long time, and teams start to take you for granted, and we were a good team," Walker said of the Hurricanes. "All that skill and stuff is coming out now, and if you take them for granted, then you're going to end up at the wrong end of the night."
The victory began an 18-9-0 stretch for the Hurricanes, who've won eight of their last nine and climbed out of the conference cellar. But thanks to an injury-riddled start, Carolina's playoff chances are slim one season after reaching the East finals.
The Hurricanes were sellers last Wednesday, sending Corvo and Walker to Washington in separate deals.
Corvo has taken over for fellow defenseman Brian Pothier, who was sent to Carolina. Walker scored two third-period goals in a 5-4 win over Tampa Bay in his Capitals debut Thursday, although he was a healthy scratch Monday against Dallas.
"I'm still trying to get accommodated and accustomed to systems here, so it's really just concentrate on what we're doing," Walker said. "Obviously playing guys that you're familiar with is always interesting."
The Hurricanes are no strangers to Washington star Alex Ovechkin, who has at least one point in 12 straight games against Carolina, totaling four goals and 17 assists.
Although the Capitals' 13-game home winning streak was snapped in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Stars on Monday, the team was happy to get two goals from Ovechkin. The two-time reigning Hart Trophy winner had been held without a goal in six straight games - his longest drought this season.
Ovechkin is tied with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby for the league lead with 44 goals and is alone atop the NHL with 92 points.
"He was frustrated the last few games. I told him this morning, 'You've got to work harder,'" Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said Monday. "... When he has his energy, well, he is what he is: the best player in the world."
Ovechkin will try to beat veteran Manny Legace, who has gone 5-0-0 with a 1.59 goals-against average in his last five starts as he helps to fill in for injured starter Cam Ward.
The Hurricanes (27-31-7) had a seven-game winning streak snapped with a 4-1 loss at Florida on Saturday, but bounced back Sunday with a 4-0 win at Atlanta, as Jussi Jokinen scored his 15th goal in his last 19 games and Legace made 27 saves for his first shutout of the season.
"It's huge," Legace said. "It's what you dream about. It's everything you want. In this league, it's so hard to do."
The 37-year-old is 2-0-0 with a 1.77 GAA in his career against the Capitals, although he has not faced them since he was with St. Louis in a 4-3 win on Oct. 27, 2007.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: Duncan won't leave Spurs
Two-time league MVP Tim Duncan said he has little interest in testing out the free-ag... -
Bonds faces future, can't forget past
Barry Bonds is publicly referring to himself as a convicted felon these days, and he'... -
Mickelson in group out to buy Padres
Phil Mickelson has joined a group of investors who want to buy his hometown Major Lea... -
Manager: Boxer Williams paralyzed
Paul Williams paralyzed in crash but aims to return to ring, trainer says. -
Angels ace Weaver leaves with injury
Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver has left his start against the Yankees in the fir...
NHL Videos
Stanley Cup Preview: X Factors
Posted: May 29, 2012
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy channels Simon Cowell to pick his Stanley Cup Final X F...
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy channels Simon Cowell to pick his Stanley Cup Final X F...
Stanley Cup Preview: Key Matchups
Posted: May 28, 2012
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy breaks down the key matchups between the Kings and the ...
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy breaks down the key matchups between the Kings and the ...
Stanley Cup Preview: Coaches & Strategy
Posted: May 28, 2012
Who will be drinking out of the Stanley Cup? FOX Sports' Larry Murphy makes his ...
Who will be drinking out of the Stanley Cup? FOX Sports' Larry Murphy makes his ...
NHL Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok Pittsburgh Penguins #87 Sidney Crosby Black Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Pittsburgh_Penguins/browse/featuredproduct/175178/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_175000/FF_175178_xl.jpg&w=100 | 159.95 | Reebok Pittsburgh Penguins #87 Sidney Crosby Black Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Reebok Dallas Stars White Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dallas_Stars/browse/featuredproduct/243363/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_243000/FF_243363_xl.jpg&w=100 | 124.95 | Reebok Dallas Stars White Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Reebok Tampa Bay Lightning Primary Logo T-Shirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Tampa_Bay_Lightning/browse/featuredproduct/301017/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_301000/ff_301017_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Reebok Tampa Bay Lightning Primary Logo T-Shirt - Royal Blue |
| Majestic Anaheim Ducks Black Official Logo Full Zip Hoody Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Anaheim_Ducks/browse/featuredproduct/398322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_398000/FF_398322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic Anaheim Ducks Black Official Logo Full Zip Hoody Sweatshirt |
| Detroit Red Wings Youth Black Southpaw Backpack | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Red_Wings/browse/featuredproduct/403205/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_403000/FF_403205_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Detroit Red Wings Youth Black Southpaw Backpack |
| Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #88 Patrick Kane Red Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Blackhawks/browse/featuredproduct/408123/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_408000/FF_408123_xl.jpg&w=100 | 159.95 | Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #88 Patrick Kane Red Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Majestic New Jersey Devils Red Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoody Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_Jersey_Devils/browse/featuredproduct/456774/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_456000/ff_456774_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic New Jersey Devils Red Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoody Sweatshirt |
| Vancouver Canucks 2011 NHL Western Conference Champions Hockey Stick | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Vancouver_Canucks/browse/featuredproduct/665779/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_665000/ff_665779_xl.jpg&w=100 | 11.95 | Vancouver Canucks 2011 NHL Western Conference Champions Hockey Stick |
| Reebok San Jose Sharks In-Stick-Tive T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_San_Jose_Sharks/browse/featuredproduct/700543/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_700000/ff_700543_xl.jpg&w=100 | 17.95 | Reebok San Jose Sharks In-Stick-Tive T-Shirt - Black |
| Majestic New York Islanders Royal Blue Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Islanders/browse/featuredproduct/752594/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_752000/ff_752594_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | Majestic New York Islanders Royal Blue Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.