Capitals vs. Flyers: Tale of the Tapes, Lines, Players To Watch

After a 1-0 shutout win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday saw them outshot 38-19 while getting two key names back in the mix, the Washington Capitals are headed north to take on the Philadelphia Flyers in the first game of a home-and-home series.

Here is everything to know ahead of puck drop.

Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Tale of the Tape

The Capitals (23-14-6) are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games and, having recovered from a lackluster start to the season, now have two stars back in the mix with Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson fully healthy. However, there have been some flaws and rough moments in the team's play of late, including a couple of rough starts and some struggles on offense. However, the team has been still finding ways to win, which Darcy Kuemper pointed out on Sunday is a testament to the team's deep and ability. The team is still averaging 3.26 goals per game and has had success on the power play since things started to look up on the man advantage on Nov. 23, but the defensive play has stood out of late, as the goaltending has been great while the team gives up just 2.70 goals per game (sixth-least in the league) and owns a penalty-killing percentage of 81.7 (eighth-best).

Going against Philly (16-18-7) won't be easy, despite the team's struggles this season under first-year head coach John Tortorella. Desite managing just 2.78 goals per game (the sixth-least in the NHL) and having the third-worst power play in the league (15.7), the Flyers have a lot of talent on their roster and can be dangerous all around on the ice. Defensively, they're in the middle of the pack when it comes to penalty-kill percentage (75.6) and goals against per game (3.22).

Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Lines

Head coach Peter Laviolette wasn't happy with the output from the forward lines on Sunday, as the team managed less than 20 shots on goal for the first time all season against a struggling Columbus team. So, he switched the lines up, moving some pieces around and getting more familiar names back together, while continuing to balance 14 forwards. Despite the changes, Anthony Mantha and Nicolas Aube-Kubel are still extras, and if the lines stay the same from Tuesday's practice, it seems that they'll be out for the second straight game.

Here are the projected lines based on Tuesday's skate before heading to Philly:

Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Sonny Milano

Lars Eller-Nicklas Backstrom-T.J. Oshie

Conor Sheary-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson

Marcus Johansson-Nic Dowd-Garnet Hathaway

Erik Gustafsson-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Dmitry Orlov-Nick Jensen

Alex Alexeyev-Martin Fehervary

Expect Darcy Kuemper to start following a stunning shutout performance on Sunday.

Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Players To Watch

Erik Gustafsson has stayed red-hot and continues to impress and step up defensively with John Carlson on the shelf. The Swede has 15 points in his last 11 games and has points in all but two outings dating back to Dec. 17. Also, the fourth line has been generating solid pressure, with Nic Dowd picking up points in three of his last four games and Garnet Hathaway collecting four points in his last six outings overall. Also look out for Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson as they continue to get their legs back under them. Alex Ovechkin is also one goal away from 30 in his career, and Evgeny Kuznetsov recently finished a lengthy point streak. Also, Trevor van Riesmdyk is a name to watch, as he'll play in NHL game No. 500 against his brother, James, and the Flyers on Wednesday.

On the Philadelphia side of the coin, look out for Travis Konecny, who leads the team with 43 points in 35 games so far. He has been red-hot this season and has points in nine straight games, and over the last month, he's only been held off the scoresheet in one game. Kevin Hayes and Joel Farabee also have points in three of ther last four. Also keep an eye on James van Riemsdyk, Scott Laughton and Owen Tippett, along with other names like Tony DeAngelo, Noah Cates and Morgan Frost.

How To Tune In

Local fans can watch the action live on NBC Sports Washington Plus and listen at WJFK 106.7 The Fan and Caps Radio 24/7, and Flyers fans can watch on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen at 97.5 The Fanatic.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center.