*7* MASSACRE on Washington Capitals.

The Boston Bruins had a four-game winning streak ended when they lost 5-3 to Dallas home at TD Garden Tuesday. Another loss is in the cards when they visit the stingy Washington Capitals Thursday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Washington's Defense - The Bruins and the Capitals match-up pretty evenly offensively, but the Caps have by far the better defense of the two teams. Boston's star netminder Tukka Rask gave up five goals on only 19 shots against the Stars his last start, and while Braden Holty conceded five on 22 shots against the Rangers his last start, keep in mind that he shut out the Bruins in each of the three meetings last season.

2. Special Teams - The Bruins have been able to bully weaker teams with a power play unit that has converted on a league-best 34.2% of the chances this season. They also own the league's worst penalty killing unit, and the Caps are a team very capable of both containing the Bruins power play and punish them on their own chances on the man advantage.

3. X-Factor - The Capitals are 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals (7*)