The Washington Capitals have the second-best odds among East teams at +1100. The Caps' full focus right now is on Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's scoring record. Washington plays Chicago on Friday and the Islanders on Sunday.

Here are two reasons the Panthers will repeat as Stanley Cup champions as they close in on officially claiming a playoff spot.

Brad Marchand has only one assist in four games with Florida since being acquired from the Boston Bruins, but the Panthers insist they aren't concerned entering Saturday afternoon's game with the host Ottawa Senators.

The Blues will go for their 10th straight win and try to pass the Wild for the first wild card in the Western Conference. St. Louis (40-28-7) is one point behind Minnesota. The Red Wings (34-33-6) are three points behind the Canadiens for the second wild card in the East.

Brad Marchand is ready for his Florida debut. The Panthers said Marchand — who, because of an upper-body injury, hasn't appeared in a game with Florida since being acquired in a trade with Boston three weeks ago — will be in the lineup Friday night when the team plays host to the Utah Hockey Club.

The Florida Panthers have earned their reputation as one of the NHL’s best teams, getting to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of the past three seasons, making it to the Cup final in each of the past two seasons,

Sometimes, one team just has another’s number, and that seems to be the case this season when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers. Montreal may be fighting for its playoff life, but their three wins against the Panthers has certainly helped the effort.