Colorado at Washington

The Washington Capitals looked to be even less than a pedestrian team coming out of the gate where they won just four times in their first 12 games. The bad start was marked by five consecutive games allowing four goals or more. Probably the most amazing part of what happened since then is they have allowed four or more goals just six times since, while allowing two or less 17 times. This team has really taken charge of things on the defensive end of the ice. The Avalanche are playing their best hockey of the season as they have been winners of eight of their last 11 games. That usually means they have caught fire on the defnsive end, and sure enough, Colorado has allowed one goal or less in six of their last 12 games. They have now played to four straight games UNDER the total vs. a winning home team, while Washington is 13-3-1 to the UNDER in their last 17 vs. a losing road team. This series has seen four of the last five play to the UNDER as well. This one doesn't get there, make the play on the UNDER.