This is an 8* SPECIAL on the Capitals.

Two evenly matched teams, but I think the Capitals will dig deep and deliver a victory here at home before a difficult little three-game road trip with stops in Arizona, Vegas and Colorado.

The Capitals just broke a two-game slide with a 4-3 OT win at the Islanders and I think at this price, they offer fantastic value.

Minnesota has won two straight, most recenlty holding on for a 2-1 home victory over Arizona as a -400 favorite.

But with tough upcoming games at Carolina, Florida and Tampa Bay up next, would any fault Minensota for "looking ahead" even a tiny bit here?

For me, the way this one sets up from a situational stand point for the Capitals, makes them the correct call in this one.

The play is WASHINGTON.

Good luck, NP