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Ovechkin, Capitals host struggling Thrashers

Mar 14, 2008 - 12:57 PM Atlanta (31-33-8) at Washington (33-30-8) 7:00 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - Sitting five points out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals cannot afford many more defeats.

Washington faces Atlanta on Friday needing to take advantage of the Thrashers' recent struggles. Atlanta's 6-4 home victory over Calgary on Thursday was just the Thrashers' second in their last 12 games.

The Capitals are coming off a 3-2 home victory over the Flames on Wednesday for their fifth win in their last eight games. Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin scored two goals to raise his league-leading total to 56.

"We know how hard we have to work here to give ourselves a chance," said Capitals' defenseman Mike Green. "The rest of the games are so important, and we're so hungry. We want to win so bad."

The recent slide has left Atlanta ahead of only Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference. Friday's game is the seventh of eight between the Southeast Division rivals.

Ovechkin has three goals and three assists against the Thrashers in six games this season, while center Nicklas Backstrom has a goal and six assists.

Atlanta left wing Ilya Kovalchuk has three goals and five assists against Washington in five games, while center Todd White has four goals in six games.