Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head ...

The Capitals are holding on to the No. 1 spot despite an average week but it's getting crowded at the top of the rankings.

Buffalo's JJ Peterka, coming off a hat-trick performance, and Vancouver's Pius Suter enter Friday's matchups on hot streaks.