(My Sportsbook) - The Washington Capitals will try to continue where they left off in 2008 when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning in a New Year's Day contest between Southeast Division rivals at Verizon Center.

The Capitals head into the 2009 calendar year riding a four-game winning streak and went 11-3-0 in December. Washington currently holds a healthy lead atop the Southeast Division with 51 points and owns a 12-point advantage over second-place Carolina.

Washington's latest triumph came Tuesday night in Buffalo, where Jose Theodore made 31 saves to lead the Capitals to a 4-2 decision over the Sabres at HSBC Arena.

Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and an assist while Brooks Laich also lit the lamp for the Capitals, who have won nine of their last 10 overall. Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, scored the first goal of his NHL career in the triumph.

Alex Ovechkin, the league's First Star for last week's action, was held without a point for just the second time in his last 11 games. Ovechkin leads the Capitals with 25 goals and 49 points.

Tonight's test marks the opener of a four-game homestand for the Caps, who have an amazing 15-1-1 record as the host this season. Washington's last loss at home -- and its only regulation setback in D.C. this year -- came on December 2 against Florida. The Capitals have won six in a row at Verizon Center since the loss to the Panthers.

Meanwhile, the Lightning had their longest winning streak of the season halted Tuesday against visiting Montreal. Maxim Lapierre notched the deciding shootout goal as the Canadiens clipped Tampa Bay, 2-1, at St. Pete Times Forum.

The Lightning had won three in a row to match their winning streak from October 28-November 1.

After both clubs scored in the first round of the extra segment, Montreal netminder Carey Price denied Vaclav Prospal, who lit the lamp in regulation for the Lightning. Lapierre then fired a shot into the top right corner before Price turned aside Tampa Bay captain Vincent Lecavalier to seal the win.

Mike Smith had a strong game in goal for Tampa Bay, stopping 29 shots. Ryan Malone assisted on Prospal's goal and has six points (1 goal, 5 assists) over his last three games.

Tampa, which is 6-10-3 as the visiting team this year, is beginning a stretch of six road outings in seven games tonight. The Lightning's next game will be at home, as they host Carolina on Saturday.

Tonight's encounter marks the second of six meetings between the Caps and Bolts this year. Washington defeated the Lightning, 4-2, in D.C. on November 10 to win its sixth straight game in the series. The Capitals have also won eight of their last 11 against Tampa, as well as three in a row and five of their last six versus the Lightning in the nation's capital.