The Washington Capitals hold the best record in the NHL this season with 49 wins and 103 points. They capped a four-game trek with a pair of road losses at Los Angeles and San Jose, but I like their chances of picking up that elusive 50th win of the season when hosting the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - The Caps lost 5-2 at San Jose Saturday, but this is a team with a great history of responding to adversity with big performances. Washington is 8-0 in its last eight games following a loss of three or more goals and it's also worth noting that the Caps are 21-8-1 in their last 30 home games following a road trip of seven or more days.

2. Road Woes - Carolina has lost five of its last seven on the road overall. It fell 4-1 its last visit to Verizon Center and is averaging a lowly 2.29 goals per game on the road this season which can be compared to the Capitals 3.26 mark at home.

3. X-Factor - Washington's star netminder Braden Holty was rested in Saturday's defeat. He's expected to be back between the pipes tonight looking to build on a 4-1-0 record behind a 1.62 GAA in his last five starts against the Hurricanes

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals (5*)