Milan Michalek tallied twice to lead Ottawa past Washington, 5-2, at Scotiabank Place. Erik Karlsson picked up a goal and two assists for the Senators, who have won four in a row and five of their last six. Chris Phillips and Nick Foligno also found the net to back a 33-save...more performance from Craig Anderson. John Carlson and Mathieu Perreault scored for the Capitals, who have dropped three in a row and six of seven. Alex Ovechkin did not play due to a lower-body injury suffered Monday at Carolina and is listed as day-to-day. Tomas Vokoun was removed after allowing four goals on 11 shots in 32-plus minutes. Michal Neuvirth finished up by stopping all 14 shots he faced.
Hoffman credits his team's consistency, in the midst of a battle for first place with Belmont (both 12-2 in the Atlantic Sun) that has lasted since January 21st.
The Chicago Blackhawks didn't look like a team ready to break out of their longest slump in four years the last time they hit the ice. Doing so against the Nashville Predators may prove difficult as well.
The New York Rangers have established themselves as the top team in the East and the Blueshirts will try to increase their conference lead when they visit the Boston Bruins tonight at TD Garden.
After having little success on a recent five-game homestand, the Ottawa Senators hope to have more luck when they kick off a road trip tonight by battling the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Times Forum.