Watching the Sabres play, I've been impressed at the potential this team has, and it may well be that they are starting to realize some of it right now. They've won 3 straight, and 5 of 7, beating some big names in the process. Although saddled with the 26th rated defense for the season, they have given up only 8 goals in those 5 wins.

Meanwhile, the Capitals have lost 2 straight, and 5 of 6 of their previous games were decided by a single goal. They are a very good road team, but aren't quite getting the goal-tending they were, and there are some significant injuries to consider. They may very well play well enough to win, but I expect this youthful and exciting Sabres team to keep it close, as they did with the Penguins. Take the Sabres + 1 1/2.