With their 4-3 win over the Lightning last night, the Bruins matched their longest winning streak of the season at three. More than 24 hours later, they’ll look to surpass that as they travel to Washington to face a Capitals team fresh off a 3-2 loss to the Islanders in Brooklyn in their first game back from the All-Star break.

Against a goalie who’s had their number throughout his career, the Bruins did manage to put up a three spot against Braden Holtby in their first meeting of the season back on December 7. Though they fell short in overtime after trailing 3-0, the B’s should have a little more confidence against Holtby this time around. They’ll need it to with Zane McIntyre likely getting the start this evening after being called up from Providence for the third time in six days.

Tuesday’s loss to the Islanders aside, the Capitals clicking on all cylinders of late as they’re 7-2-1 in their last 10. From establishing a better defensive presence in their own end to getting timely goals, the B’s are going to need a well-rounded effort if they want to come away with two points for the fourth straight game.

Gametime: 8:00 p.m.
TV/Radio: NBCSN/98.5 The Sports Hub
Records: Bruins 26-21-6 (58 points), Capitals 33-11-6 (72 points)
Location: Verizon Center

Bruins projected lines

Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak
Frank Vatrano-David Krejci-David Backes
Matt Beleskey-Ryan Spooner-Riley Nash
Tim Schaller-Dominic Moore-Jimmy Hayes

Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug-Adam McQuaid
Colin Miller-Kevan Miller

Zane McIntyre
Tuukka Rask

Capitals projected lines

Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-T.J. Oshie
Marcus Johansson-Evgeni Kuznetsov-Justin Williams
Brett Connolly-Lars Eller-Andre Burakovsky
Daniel Winnik-Jay Beagle-Tom Wilson

Karl Alzner-John Carlson
Dmitri Orlov-Matt Niskanen
Brooks Orpik-Nate Schmidt

Braden Holtby
Philipp Grubauer

Tonight’s storylines

– For the second straight week, Brad Marchand is fortunate enough to be escaping suspension. A week removed from his $10,000 fine for his aggressive trip on Niklas Kronwall, the first-time All-Star got away with a slew-foot on Anton Stralman in last night’s win. He’s always had an edge to his game and it’s what made him a top talent in the league, but the “Little Ball of Hate” is very close to crossing the fine line. The last thing the Bruins need is for him to miss any significant time due to supplemental discipline by the Department of Player Safety.

– The Bruins backup goaltending situation continues to take interesting turns as McIntyre, fresh off his appearance in the AHL All-Star Game, will meet the Black and Gold in the nation’s capital and will likely get the nod tonight. As the Bruins look to give Tuukka Rask some much-needed rest, the former North Dakota standout is still looking for his first win of the season and the second win among the B’s backups.

– With the Senators, Maple Leafs and Flyers all losing last night, the Bruins can gain even more ground in the playoff picture. Every team in the East has games in hand on the Black and Gold as they face a crucial five-game stretch before their bye week in mid-February. With one point tonight, the Bruins would temporarily jump the Sens for second in the Atlantic Division. Not all that bad considering there’s still a chance they may be on the outside looking in of the top-eight when they return from their week off later this month.