Capitals aim to extend Kings' skid as injury lists grow on both sides

[SportsMafia Wire]

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The Washington Capitals host the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday with the clubs heading in opposite directions.

Washington carries a 5-3 record into the Metropolitan Division matchup, including a strong 4-1-0 mark at home. The Capitals have taken 39 penalties this season, ranking ninth in the NHL and averaging 4.9 per contest.

Los Angeles enters winless through six outings at 0-4-2, mired in a six-game losing streak. The Kings have struggled away from home with a 0-1-2 road record and are 0-3-0 when committing more penalties than their opponent.

Both teams face significant absences. Washington will be without Justin Sourdif, Rasmus Sandin, Patrick Thomas, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Matt Roy due to illness, knee, upper-body, illness and lower-body issues respectively. Los Angeles has Jakub Dvorak, Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Fiala, Jan Jenik and Alex Turcotte sidelined with upper-body, undisclosed, leg, undisclosed and undisclosed ailments.

The Pacific Division cellar dwellers look to halt their slide against a Capitals club that has found early success in its own building.

Source: ESPN - Mon Oct 19, 4:12 AM ET

Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).