WASHINGTON -- The Washington Capitals' five-day bye is fast approaching, though they certainly do not look like a team that needs a rest.
Washington (27-13-3) sits atop the Metropolitan Division and begins two back-to-back games against the slumping Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, which will be followed by five days off.
The Capitals defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight win overall and 10th in a row at home, the longest streak in the NHL this season. They are 17-2-0 at home since Nov. 2.
"It's important for the team, but it's also important for the fans," coach Barry Trotz told The Washington Post regarding the streak.