1* free play on the Washington Capitals...

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming to Verizon Center on the back off eight consecutive losses as they're looking to pick up just their fifth win of the season tonight. I don't like their chances of doing so, the Washington Capitals snapped a five game losing streak of their own Friday and followed that win up by defeating the Canes 4-3 in OT the following day. It may look expensive, but I believe the price is right to back the home team.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Injuries - Columbus #1 netminder Sergei Bobrovsky has not played since Oct 26 and is not likely to make a comeback before the end of the week at best. Backups Curtis McElhinney and Anton Forsberg are still win-less this season and both participated in the 7-4 hammering the Blue Jackets suffered against the Lightning Saturday. Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Mark Letestu will also be unavailable for tonight's contest.

2. Recent History - The Blue Jackets have only won two of the last eight meetings in Washington, losing the last three.

3. X-factor - Alexander Ovechkin is goal-less over his last three games, but has two goals and three points over his last three at home versus the Blue Jackets.

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