The Bruins are among the millions who have descended upon our nation’s capitol this weekend, however the B’s won’t have time to go sightseeing or attend any inauguration events. This is a business trip. The banged-up B’s will be looking to even up the season series with the Washington Capitals tonight at the Verizon Center, a place that has not been very welcoming to visitors this season (Caps are 18-3-1 at home).

The B’s last faced the Caps back on December 10^th,when they fell to the Capitals 3-1 on the road. Since then, Boston has gone 7-0-0 away from the TD Banknorth Garden.

Just who are these Capitals you speak of?
Washington Capitals 28-14-3; 59 pts (1st in Southeast, 2nd in East)

Leading Goal Scorers

 Goaltending

Guys Who Like to Drop the Gloves
Donald Brashear: 7 Fighting Majors
Matt Bradley: 4 Fighting Majors

'08-'09 Season Series
Bruins Record vs. Washington: 0-1-0
12/10 @ WAS 3-1 L

Injury Report

Boston
LW Milan Lucic: Doubtful (Undisclosed Injury)
D Aaron Ward: Out (“Charley Horse”)
F Phil Kessel: IR (Mono)
C Patrice Bergeron: Out (Concussion)
LW Marco Sturm: IR (Knee)
D Andrew Ferance: Out (Broken Tibia)

Washington
RW Boyd Gordon: Questionable (Back Spasms)
D Shaone Morrisonn: Questionable (Lower Body)
D Tom Poti: IR (Groin)

D Brian Pothier: IR (Concussion)

Notes:

 -      Tim Thomas will likely get the start tonight after a stellar performance between the pipes for the B’s in an otherwise lackluster showing by the Black & Gold on Thursday night vs. the Islanders.

 -      Alex Ovechkin has 15 points (7-8-15) in 13 career games vs. the Bruins.

-      The B’s can not afford to jump out to a slow start like they did the other night against the Islanders. The Caps have a .857 winning percentage when leading after the first period. Yes, I realize the Bruins were not trailing after the first period on Thursday, but they were certainly outplayed.

-      Bergeron and Ferance have been removed from the IR, but neither will be in the lineup tonight.

-      Stanley Cup of Chowder’s D.C. correspondent will be at the game tonight and will act as my eyes and ears inside the Verizon Center.

-      For more on what the fat cats down in Washington are saying about tonight’s game, check out Japers’ Rink.

-      Public Skate (Open Thread) starts at 6:00

Today’s Obligatory Embarrassing YouTube Fan Ovechkin Video