Capitals hope for remix in final game of homestand

While the Washington Capitals certainly will get a new look on Saturday with the debut of their blue retro-inspired Hometown Remix sweaters, they are also hoping for a change in their fortune on this homestand.

The Capitals have fallen behind both 2-0 and 4-0 in their last two home games, losses to the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars, and now face an Eastern Conference foe that has been playing well in the Florida Panthers.

Washington struggled against the Panthers last season, going 0-3-0 against the then-defending Stanley Cup champions, although the Caps swept Florida two seasons ago.

Not surprisingly, the Tkachuk brothers have been the story of the Panthers so far this season, with Brady and Matthew combining for 39 points so far this season. Since coming over from Ottawa in a trade this summer, Brady is third on the team in goals with 8, trailing just Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhardt who have 9 apiece.

The Panthers are also 9-5-2 after their 5-3 win at home Wednesday against Chicago, and have won 4 of their last 5 games overall and their last 2 road games.

The Capitals are 8-6-0 so far this season, 6-4-0 at home and on a 2-game losing streak, although a much-better 7-2-0 against the Eastern Conference, and 2-1-0 against the Atlantic Division.

Washington is 0-2-0 on this homestand, their last homestand of 3 or more until mid-January with the schedule taking a heavy road swing starting next week, with 11 of their next 16 away from Capital One Arena.

Sweater-wise, Saturday marks the debut of the Capitals' Hometown Remix sweater, a league-wide initiative to introduce a new jersey design for every franchise. Washington's is a lighter-blue base - something the Capitals haven't featured since their old 1997-98 road model - and the Capitol Dome logo with the screaming eagles on the shoulder. 

The Capitals will be wearing these jerseys for 11 games this season, and Washington fans hope the Caps remix their momentum before beginning a two-game road trip through Ottawa and New Jersey next week.