• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Capitals seek to end six-game road slide vs. Hurricanes

Jan 18, 2007 - 3:51 PM Washington (19-20-7) at Carolina (25-18-5) 7:00 pm EST

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals have one final chance to manage something positive in what has been a dismal road trip.

Washington attempts to snap a six-game road losing streak and a three-game overall slide Thursday when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes for the first of three encouners in the next 10 days.

Playing the finale of a four-game road trip, the Capitals are in the midst of their longest road drought since February 28-March 27, 2004. They have not dropped more than seven contests away from home since the 1975-1976 campaign.

Washington is coming off Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Chris Clark scored his 17th goal - a shorthanded tally - and Steve Eminger netted his first of the season for the Capitals.

Olaf Kolzig, the 2000 Vezina Trophy winner, has struggled against Southeast Divison foes, posting a 5-7-1 mark with a 3.62 goals-against average this season. Against the rest of the league, he is 10-7-3.

The Hurricanes have won four of their last five games and are 12-3-1 against division opponents, winning eight of nine at home. They also have captured all 17 games when leading after two periods this season.

Carolina is coming off Tuesday's 3-2 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers. Erik Cole tied the game with 6:26 left in regulation and Justin Williams netted the game-winner on a power play in the extra session.

The Hurricanes have won two of the first three matchups against the Capitals, including a 5-0 victory November 9. Cole had a hat trick and Cam Ward made 20 saves for the shutout.