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Washington Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Blackhawks

By Michael Marzzacco

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) starts an attack during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 16, 2019, at Capital One Arena, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) starts an attack during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 16, 2019, at Capital One Arena, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) fires a first period shot against the New York Rangers on October 18, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) fires a first period shot against the New York Rangers on October 18, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Washington Capitals take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night at 7 p.m.

It is the beginning of their longest road trip of the season. A five-game road trip that starts in the Windy City and ends in Toronto to round out the month of October. It is a tough stretch but the Washington Capitals delivered on their home ice with two big wins.

First they used an 88 second stretch in the second period where their offense scored three goals en route to a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then in Michal Kempny’s return Friday night the defenseman scored and the Capitals defeated the New York Rangers 5-2.

In Friday’s contest T.J. Oshie scored twice and John Carlson added three assists. Carlson is tied for the NHL lead in points with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers with 17.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) makes a third period save against the New York Rangers on October 18, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 18: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) makes a third period save against the New York Rangers on October 18, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Braden Holtby stopped 26-of-28 for a .929 save percentage. He’s expected to once again get the nod in goal tonight. In his lifetime against the Blackhawks, Holtby is 8-3-0 with a 2.88 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

The Capitals come into tonight’s game with the Blackhawks leading the all-time series 44-43-11-1. They’ve played in memorable games including the Winter Classic in Washington.

Here are the top 3 players to watch tonight.

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