Capitals vs. Rangers Preview: Line Combinations, Stats, Storylines To Watch

WASHINGTON — Following a disappointing shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild, the Washington Capitals shook things up in a big way, and are hoping those changes reignite a spark across the lineup as they play host to the New York Rangers.

Here's everything to know before puck drop at noon.

Washington Capitals Line Combinations

The Capitals shook things up in a big way, mainly by putting Connor McMichael back at center and revamping the third line, which has struggled all season long.

Logan Thompson gets the start in goal as the team continues to alternate between netminders.

Here are the projected line combinations:

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Taylor Raddysh

Aliaksei Protas-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson

Lars Eller-Connor McMichael-Jakub Vrana

Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Andrew Mangiapane

Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson

Jakob Chychrun-Matt Roy

Martin Fehervary-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Logan Thompson

Charlie Lindgren

Washington Capitals Stats

- Alex Ovechkin has three goals in four games since returning from a broken leg.

- Pierre-Luc Dubois has points in seven of his last eight outings and has led the team in scoring since Nov. 21.

- Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson have points in three of their last four games.

Washington Capitals Storylines

- Watch for Tom Wilson to be dangerous. He loves playing New York and had a goal (another was called back) last game, and has totalled four points in has last four games overall.

- Look for Lars Eller to try and spark his game as he shifts to wing.

- The same goes for Connor McMichael, who wants to get back to his hot start while returning to his natural center role.

- Jakub Vrana will also be back in the mix, so look for him to put up a fight as he tries to stay in the lineup more consistently.