The Washington Capitals are hoping that their impressive play of late follows them on the road, as they kick off a lengthy trip to the Pacific Northwest with a showdown against the Edmonton Oilers. Here's everything to know before puck drop at 9 p.

Two of the National Hockey League’s top teams will tangle at Rogers Center in Edmonton, Alberta, on Tuesday night. The Washington Capitols, which top all NHL teams with 67 points, will open a five-game road trip against the Oilers (29-14-3, in the Pacific Division), one of six teams with at least 60 points.

The Pacific Division is one of the toughest divisions in the NHL, and the Calgary Flames currently have the fourth-best record. How have the rest of the teams performed in the past week?

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby offered his perspective on Connor McDavid’s three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland during Saturday’s Edmonton-Vancouver clash. Speaking to The Athletic on Monday, Crosby acknowledged McDavid’s actions but framed them within the physical nature of hockey.

Michigan State is no longer the No. 1-ranked NCAA men's hockey team in the country. The Spartans (19-3-2) dropped to No. 2 in the USCHO.com rankings, released on Monday. Boston College (16-4-1) moved ahead of Michigan State with a 3-1 win over Harvard and a series sweep over Providence by scores of 3-0 and 4-1.

The Washington Capitals open a five-game road trip when they visit the Connor McDavid-less Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. The Capitals have won four games in a row and earned points in 10 straight (7-0-3),

The Capitals have taken a more aggressive stance with their penalty kill this season and seen huge improvements as a result.

The win Saturday was another example of how far the Capitals have come. Although Alex Ovechkin was held without a goal -- leaving him with 874 and 21 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 -- Washington demonstrated its improved depth and controlled play almost from start to finish.

Make no mistake, what transpired at the end of Saturday night’s game was ugly. Cross-checks to the head and neck, no matter the reason for it, are more than deserving of supplemental discipline.

Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves and three more in the shootout as the host New York Rangers earned a crucial 1-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.

Not only did Nedeljkovic become the first goalie in NHL history to have a goal and an assist in the same game, but he also made 40 saves to lead the Penguins to a 5-2 win over the Sabres.

It’s time to put this issue to bed. The question seems preposterous. Matt Boldy is widely regarded as an established top-line forward at the age of 23. He averaged 30 goals per season in his age-21 and 22 seasons,