This is a 7* play on WASHINGTON

Washington has lost only three of its last 12 games and two of the losses were to Tampa Bay. The Lightning just got them here in D.C. Wednesday, winning a 5-4 decision in overtime. That game saw the Capitals outshoot TB 58-28, which is the kind of effort that typically results in victory. On the bright side, the Caps were able to at least earn a point and stay in front in the Metropolitan. Tonight's opponent is Minnesota, who is just trying to sneak into the playoffs over in the Western Conference. But the Wild have failed to help themselves lately, losing five of their last six games and seven of the last nine. Still, they're only one point back of the Wild Card, but a -17 goal differential tell us that this team is "not ready for primetime," let alone the Capitals. The Wild have not scored more than two goals in any of their last five losses. Washington is 24-11 SU against teams with losing records this season (Wild are 34-31-9) and not only are they 9-2 SU the L11 head to head meetings, they've won five straight at home over Minnesota. Home team gets the two points. Play on WASHINGTON

AAA