Cross-conference afternoon games have a funny way of stripping away the fluff, leaving teams with nowhere to hide if their habits aren't locked in early. Washington gets the home ice, but early-period execution and bench management are going to set the tone the minute the puck drops.
When two structured rosters meet in a non-conference tilt, the game usually hinges on which coaching staff wins the line-matching game down the stretch. Expect defensive discipline to carry the night as both sides try to establish their pace without yielding high-danger chances. Make your pick and break down the match on StreakChat as the action starts.