Just in case this is a Finals preview, the Caps might want to send a message after they lost at home to these Jets in OT back on February 1. Winnipeg, however, seems to have less traction lately, with losses in two of three, including a humbling home setback vs. the Sabres on Sunday. That was Eric Comrie in goal; Connor Hellebuyck back in the nets tonight. But this is also a chance for the Caps' Logan Thompson (31-4-5, 2.30 GAA, .917 saves) to make a statement for the Vezina vs. his likely chief rival, Hellebuyck. And, oh yes, Alex Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky's 894 goals continues to fuel Washington, winner in nine of ten. Play Caps on Money Line.

It's easy to think of this as a Stanley Cup Finals preview (though when do both top seeds in the conferences ever actually make it thru at the same time to the Finals?). In the first meeting February 1 at Cap One Arena, it was a wild 5-4 OT win for the Jets, as the Caps crawled back from a 3-1 deficit and forced the added time on a goal by (who else?) Alex Ovechkin, now just 8 behind Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894. But other Caps are scoring goals lately, too, netting 18 across this current four-game win streak. Meanwhile, the Jets hit tonight's showdown over in their last three so another shootout at Canada Life Centre wouldn't surprise. Play Caps-Jets Over.