Capitals @ Sabres

Who will WIN this matchup?

Washington Capitals (41-20-7)

@ Buffalo Sabres (29-31-8)

Starting Goalies:

Braden Holtby (WSH): Confirmed

Linus Ullmark (BUF): Confirmed

Current odds:

Washington Capitals: (-160)

Buffalo Sabres: (+140)

• The Washington Capitals applied the brakes on a 4-7-2 skid by stepping on the gas in their victory over a bitter rival. The Capitals look to pick up speed on Monday when they conclude a three-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabres, who have been stuck in neutral since the NHL trade deadline. “We can use a lot of clips from (Saturday’s game) as positive reinforcement of what we have to do moving forward and how we have to play, and how many people we need involved on a shift to shift basis,” T.J. Oshie told reporters following Washington’s 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh. Oshie scored and set up a goal versus the Penguins and also tallied in the Capitals’ 6-1 romp over the Sabres on Nov. 1.

• While Washington remains even in points with white-hot Philadelphia atop the Metropolitan Division, Buffalo finds itself on the fast track toward securing a ninth straight season without a playoff berth. “We haven’t earned the puck luck of late and again, so many things to take with for the Washington game, but we need to get some fruits from all this labor,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger told reporters after his team lost its sixth straight game following Saturday’s 3-1 setback to the Flyers.

• Braden Holtby arguably took the first step in getting his game back on track on Saturday afternoon, as he stopped a penalty shot for the fifth time in his career and permitted fewer than three goals for the first time in seven contests. The former Vezina Trophy recipient could be prepared to make another step forward versus Buffalo, against which he improved to 10-4-1 in his career after making 29 saves in the previous encounter. Jakub Vrana scored twice in that contest, however his impressive season has slowed considerably with just two goals over his last 18 games.

• Jeff Skinner’s promotion to the top line did little to help sputtering captain Jack Eichel, who was held off the scoresheet for a career-worst seventh straight game on Saturday. Dominik Kahun, conversely, has paid dividends since being acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, with a goal versus the Flyers marking his fourth point (two goals, two assists) in five contests with his new club. “I think we’re all kind of the same players. We make plays, we like to play with the puck. I think it was a good combination. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t win,” the 24-year-old Kahun said of playing on a line with former Capitals forward Marcus Johansson and rookie Victor Olofsson.

• Washington sports a 12-3-0 record in its last 15 games versus Buffalo.

• The Sabres are mired in an 0-for-17 stretch on the power play in their last seven games.

• Washington captain Alex Ovechkin has registered 49 points (32 goals, 17 assists) in 49 career encounters with Buffalo.