Washington Capitals Face an Important Week to Start the New Year
The Washington Capitals open the new year with an important week of games.
After an up-and-down start to the new season, the Washington Capitals will look to begin a successful run to the postseason now that the calendar has turned to 2017. Up first in the new year is an important week of games against conference foes.
Washington started 2017 with a big game on New Year’s Day. Hosting the Ottawa Senators, the team right below the Capitals in the standings, Washington pulled out a 2-1 victory. On a night where offense was at a premium, the Caps played strong defense in front of star goalie Braden Holtby.
Sunday’s game marked the first of three straight home games the Caps will play to start the new year.
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Tuesday will bring a matchup with the upstart Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto is currently 10th in the conference and has six wins in its last 10 contests. The two teams last met on November 26, a game the Maple Leafs won 4-2 in Toronto.
After an of day Wednesday, Washington will be back on the Verizon Center ice Thursday to host the Metropolitan-leading Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus is the hottest team in the league and will present a difficult test for the Caps. The Blue Jackets already lead the season series 2-0 and last won in DC on November 20.
The week ends on Saturday when the Capitals travel to Ottawa for a rematch with the Senators.
Washington is currently fourth in the Metropolitan and fifth overall in the Eastern Conference. A good week against three conference opponents could change that.
Next: Washington Capitals Player of the Month: December
By week’s end, Washington will have played six games in a 10-day stretch, all against Eastern Conference opponents.