The 0-5-1 slide is Nashville's longest losing streak since the Predators went 0-7-1 from April 4-19, 2013. They have scored two goals or fewer in four of their past five games. Washington has won four straight and is 9-1-0 in its past 10 games, outscoring its opponents 36-18. The Capitals have scored at least four goals in 10 of their past 15 games. Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin needs one goal to join Mike Gartner (15) as the only players in NHL history to begin their careers with 14 consecutive 30-goal seasons. Ovechkin leads the NHL with 29 goals but has not scored in his past five games. Washington defenseman Brooks Orpik will play after missing 27 games because of a right knee injury.
Players to watch
Predators defenseman Roman Josi has five points (two goals, three assists) in his past six games. Capitals goalie Braden Holtby is 5-1-0 with a 1.82 goals-against average, .941 save percentage and one shutout in his past six starts.
They said it
"We're not here to make excuses. We come to each game. We prepare the same way. We work hard, and we know it'll turn eventually and when it does, I think we'll come out a more experienced, better squad for it." -- Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis "I don't think we're playing on top of our game. But even in the games where we're not playing our best, we're still finding ways to win. I think our goaltending during that stretch has been phenomenal. They have made the difference in a lot of games." -- Capitals forward Lars Eller
Niskanen practiced Sunday and is day-to-day. ...Defenseman Tyler Lewington was sent to Hershey of the American Hockey League with Orpik returning to the lineup.
Stat pack
Subban needs two assists for 300 in his NHL career. … Ovechkin is one power-play goal from passing Brendan Shanahan (237) for sole possession of sixth place on the NHL all-time list. Oshie needs two goals for 200 in his NHL career.
