Capitals @ Blackhawks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Washington Capitals (27-15-5)

@ Chicago Blackhawks (16-24-9)

Starting Goalies

Braden Holtby (WSH):  Confirmed

Collin Delia (CHI): Confirmed

Current odds:

Washington Capitals: (-160)

Chicago Blackhawks: (+140)

• A visit from their former coach did little to provide a spark for the reigning Stanley Cup-champion Washington Capitals, who are in the midst of their longest losing streak in nearly two years. Having dropped four in a row to tumble out of first place in the Metropolitan Division, the Capitals will attempt to end their slide when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday afternoon. The Capitals have scored only four goals during their skid following a 2-0 loss to the New York Islanders and coach Barry Trotz, who guided the franchise to its first Stanley Cup last season. “We’re not generating enough offense,” Washingon coach Todd Reirden told reporters. “We need to be better. That’s right from the top of our list to the bottom of our list. We need more.”

• The slumping Blackhawks might be the perfect cure to help the Capitals’ offense get back on track – they have dropped five in a row and allowed at least four goals in each defeat. Chicago already has had a pair of eight-game losing streaks this season and has lost eight of its last 10 meetings with Washington, including a 4-2 road setback on Nov. 21.

• Washington’s offensive funk includes just one even-strength goal over the last four games and a paltry 19 shots in Friday’s loss, which marked only the second time it was shut out this season. “When we’re playing our best offensively, we’re skating, we play fast, we move the puck, we zip it around, we get lots of chances and we’ve got guys that can finish,” defenseman Matt Niskanen told reporters. “Overall, we need a little bit more workmanlike attitude because right now, we’re not feeling it.” Braden Holtby made 37 saves in the November matchup to improve to 8-3-0 lifetime against Chicago.

• Making a cameo appearance prior to Saturday’s practice was No. 1 netminder Corey Crawford, who took some shots from goaltending coach Jimmy Waite. Crawford has been sidelined since suffering a concussion on Dec. 16 – he missed 47 games last season after sustaining a concussion heading into the holiday break – and his injury opened the door for rookie Collin Delia, who has posted a .929 save percentage despite facing an average of 38.8 shots in his eight starts. Patrick Kane extended his point streak to seven games with his 554th career assist, which tied him with Doug Wilson for third place on the franchise list.

• Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, the league leader with 33 goals, has collected nine tallies and as many assists in 17 career games versus Chicago.

• Kane has registered 10 goals and 21 points in 10 contests since the holiday break.

• Blackhawks LW Brendan Perlini is in the concussion protocol and did not practice on Saturday.