This is an 8* on WASHINGTON

Currently in a three-way battle for first place in the East Division, the Capitals go for a two-game sweep in New Jersey on Sunday. They won 2-1 in overtime here on Friday, ending a two-game losing streak. The Islanders also won yesterday (and we had them!) so the Caps & Isles are tied with 52 points. Pittsburgh is right behind with 50. So this is a game Washington really can’t afford to lose. Good thing then that they haven’t lost to the Devils this season. Friday’s win gives them a perfect 7-0 record against their division rival and today is the final meeting of the season. They allowed only 23 shots in the last game, which is a positive sign after they allowed eight goals to the Islanders in the previous game. That was the most goals allowed by the Caps in any game in over two years. New Jersey has scored 1 or 0 goals in three of the last four games. So they’re not much of a threat offensively. In the seven losses to Washington this season, NJ has allowed four or more goals five times. It’s not just this season that has seen the Capitals dominate the Devils. They have won 25 of the previous 30 meetings. Against all opponents, they are on a 14-2 run when favored. Play on WASHINGTON

AAA