Capitals vs. Predators Preview: Line Combinations, Stats, Storylines To Watch
The Washington Capitals know they have to start to right the ship and turn things around amid recent struggles, and they'll have an opportunity to do so against the Nashville Predators.
Here's everything to know before puck drop at 8 p.m. ET at Bridgestone Arena.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The Capitals are expected to make some changes to the lineup with the team not able to generate much in terms of 5-on-5 offense.
Logan Thompson played just 24 hours ago in D.C. with Charlie Lindgren being pulled due to an injury following a collision in the crease, but he will start. Hunter Shepard is up from Hershey to play second chair.
Here are the projected lines:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Connor McMichael
Aliaksei Protas-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Taylor Raddysh-Lars Eller-Ethen Frank
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Andrew Mangiapane
Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson
Martin Fehervary-Matt Roy
Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Logan Thompson
Hunter Shepard
Washington Capitals Stats
- Jakob Chychrun has 21 points in his last 22 games.
- Pierre-Luc Dubois has picked up points in 10 of his last 12 outings.
Washington Capitals Storylines
- Watch out for Alex Ovechkin. The 39-year-old hasn't scored over the last three games, the longest he's gone without scoring a goal since the start of the season. Look for him to be hungry to get back on the scoresheet as he aims to hit the 20-goal mark.
- Ethen Frank was arguably Washington's best skater in his NHL debut on Friday, notching an assist and using his speed to his advantage. Watch for him to be a key contributor again.