Top 3 key Capitals to watch against Hurricanes

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Anthony Mantha, Washington Capitals / James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

#1 Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha, love him or hate him, has been a beast for the Capitals this season. He has recorded 14 points in his last 18 games with eight goals and six assists and has led the Capitals in points since Nov. 29, per the game notes.

In a Dec. 27th loss to the first place New York Rangers, Mantha scored his 11th goal of the season which marked all of last season's total. It was also his team leading 10th even strength goal.

Mantha's goal at Madison Square Garden opened the scoring and was his fifth game opening goal of the season. He ranks tied for third in the NHL in game opening goals and trails only Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard for the league lead by three goals.

Seven of Mantha's 11 goals this season have been go ahead goals, while three of them have been game tying goals. That go ahead goal includes the Dec. 27 one even though the Caps lost.

Mantha is on pace for 26 goals this season which would mark a new single season career high. His previous best season was 2018-19 where he had 25 goals with the Detroit Red Wings.

You can catch tonight's game at 7 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network or on the radio at 106.7 The Fan and Caps Radio 24/7.