The Canucks are finally coming home after being on the road since the middle of the month. Vancouver went an improbable 4-1 on its away swing, including nipping Minnesota, 1-0, in its last game two night ago.

Vancouver is dealing with a triple whammy here:

No. 1: Playing at home for the first time following a long trip is tough because of the concentration level. It's also tough for the Canucks because it involves a time change and they are in a rare happy and fat syndrome. They were underdogs in all four of their road victories.

No. 2: Vancouver is dreadful at home losing 18 of the past 22 times, including the past three.

No. 3: Washington should be highly motivated. The Capitals have had five days to stew about a 4-1 home loss to Florida in their last game. The Capitals are rested and own a 20-6 mark following a loss of three goals or more. Washington also has won 13 of its past 18 road games.