*8* PUCK-LINE play on Washington Capitals.

The NHL-best Washington Capitals will be aiming to get back to their winning ways when hosting the Minnesota Wild Friday night. They had won 10 of 11 before losing 4-1 against the Habs Wednesday, and I think they'll rebound with a big win.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Wild's Schedule - This will be the Wild's fourth game in six days and they're just 1-4 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. They fell 3-2 at Philly last night so I don't see them matching the Caps tempo.

2. Home Cookin' - The Caps are 17-2-1 in their last 12 home games and they've won four of the last five meetings with the Wild at Verizon Center.

3. X-Factor - The Caps Alexander Ovechkin was held of the scoresheet in Wednesday's loss but he had scored four goals in his last three games prior and recorded a hat-trick the last meeting with the Wild.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals PL (8*)