Arizona @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 6, 2018 ) Washington 4, Arizona 2

The Washington Capitals have won six in a row and recorded at least a point in 10 of their last 11 contests (10-0-1), marking their longest point streak since a 14-game run (12-0-2) from Dec. 29, 2016 to Jan. 23, 2017. The red-hot Capitals aim to keep surging on Monday when they host the Arizona Coyotes, who have lost a season-high three consecutive contests (0-2-1).

"It's not always going to be an easy road, and when you do hit rough patches, it's nice to have something buoy you like this win streak," Washington defenseman John Carlson told reporters following Saturday's 5-2 victory versus Vegas. "So we're happy, but it's early and we've got a long way to go." Nicklas Backstrom, who scored a pair of third-period goals against the Golden Knights, has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 15 career encounters versus the Coyotes. Arizona has squandered a lead in each of its last four contests following Saturday's 4-3 setback to Minnesota and begins a three-game trek that includes visits to the last two Stanley Cup champions (Washington, St. Louis on Tuesday). "It's going to be a real tough trip," Coyotes forward Brad Richardson told reporters. "I don't know who's doing the scheduling for the NHL, but it's going to be tough."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE COYOTES (9-6-2): Vinnie Hinostroza scored against Minnesota to extend his point streak to three games (two goals, one assist) and also tallied in Arizona's 4-1 win in Washington last season. The bottom fell out after the 25-year-old's second-period tally versus the Wild, leaving coach Rick Tocchet seething after another lead went by the boards. "We've given away six points here this last week. It's disheartening," Tocchet told reporters.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (13-2-3): Tom Wilson scored his third goal in two games early in the first period of Saturday's game to boost his torrid stretch over the past four games (four goals, four assists). "It's not a surprise for me," linemate Evgeny Kuznetsov told the Washington Post of the 25-year-old Wilson's recent play. "The way he's worked, the way he's playing, if you're always going to keep doing the same things like he's doing, you're going to get success for sure." The line of Wilson, Kuznetsov (goal, six assists) and Jakub Vrana (five goals, two assists) has contributed 10 goals and 12 assists in the last four contests.

OVERTIME

1. Arizona RW Michael Grabner has two goals and two assists during his four-game point streak.

2. Capitals captain LW Alex Ovechkin has 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 18 career encounters against the Coyotes.

3. Arizona is mired in a 1-for-19 rut on the power play during its last six games.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Coyotes 2