Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders

The Caps have a big one today as the first place and red hot Islanders come into Verizon Center for a Saturday matinee. With no morning skate I will post the lineup when available.

Other Notes:

*Caps recalled Cam Schilling from the Hershey Bears to be the 7th defensemen this weekend in case they need him. 

*Braden Holtby is expected to start opposite of NYI backup Chas Johnson.

*Has there been a hotter duo in the NHL then Alex Ovechkin and Nick Backstrom? I'm not so sure of that. The two have been on fire the last month and need to continue to play well if they want to win today. 

*The Caps have to be aware of Anders Lee who has been a pain in neck for the Caps the few times they have seen the Isles this season. Have to keep him away from the net. 

*Caps have to have their skating legs with them today too as the Islanders can get up an down the ice in a hurry. 

*Caps have to stay out of the box today because the Islanders PowerPlay has been good this season.

*On the flip side the Caps have to play well on special teams. The PowerPlay needs to execute and the PK needs to come up big. 

*Overall this should be a playoff type game. The Caps are in good position but they can make a statement today. We will find out really where this team is at after today. 

Gametime 12:30 on CSN