Capitals Notebook: Team Pondering Lineup Changes Amid Struggles For Ovechkin & Strome, Game Notes vs. Canucks, Milano Update

ARLINGTON, V.A. — As the Washington Capitals look to shake off recent struggles, they'll be shaking things up as they work through some lineup changes.

Per coach Spencer Carbery, the team is dealing with injuries and illness, and the lineup is up in the air against the Vancouver Canucks. All the while, he wants to spark some chemistry across the board, which could lead to more changes regardless of player status.

"We're trying to find (chemistry) without having to break up the (second) line, but I think at some point you got to pull the trigger and break those three up to try to help other people," Carbery said. "We're at a point where you can have this line that's going so well, but if you've got three lines (struggling), we may have to rob Peter to pay Paul."

One definite lineup change will be Ivan Miroshnichenko drawing in for Jakub Vrana, who will be a healthy scratch. Connor McMichael may also shift back to the wing on Wednesday, though Carbery wouldn't commit to certain moves.

Logan Thompson was the first off the ice and will get the start as the team continues to alternate between netminders.

Meanwhile, Sonny Milano, still in a non-contact jersey, joined the team for the start of morning skate, marking the first time he's joined the group for practice. He skated on his own well individually and also got in skills work with Kenny McCudden ahead of the skate.

Milano remains on the long-term injured reserve, dealing with an upper-body ailment he suffered back on Nov. 6 against the Nashville Predators.