Capitals vs. Red Wings Preview: Line Combinations, Stats, Storylines To Watch
After a big win in Toronto with their captain back in tow, the Washington Capitals are in for another challenge as they take on the Detroit Red Wings in their second game of a back-to-back.
Here's everything to know before puck drop at 5 p.m. at Little Caesar's Arena.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The Capitals will welcome Lars Eller back to the mix as he returns from illness, while Alex Ovechkin will play in his second game back from a broken leg.
Meanwhile, Hendrix Lapierre has been returned to Hershey as Ivan Miroshnichenko remains up with D.C. as the extra.
Charlie Lindgren will start. Here are the lines:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Aliaksei Protas
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Jakub Vrana-Lars Eller-Andrew Mangiapane
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson
Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary-Matt Roy
Charlie Lindgren
Logan Thompson
Washington Capitals Stats
- Pierre-Luc Dubois has points in five straight games and is the Capitals' points leader since Nov. 21.
- Aliaksei Protas has points in three of his last four games.
- Jakob Chychrun is just the third NHL defenseman to hit 10 goals this season after a multi-point outing on Saturday.
Washington Capitals Storylines
- Alex Ovechkin has scored in each of his last three games dating back to Nov. 16, and he had an empty-net goal in his return to play on Saturday. Look for him to continue to get back in the rhythm of things as he plays in his second game back.
- Look out for Rasmus Sandin. The 24-year-old blueliner has been a force and leads the league in goals above replacement, and after a great assist last night, he's bound to continue finding the scoresheet.
- The fourth line was also red-hot against Toronto, generating plenty of chances as Brandon Duhaime, Nic Dowd and Taylor Raddysh got their identity line back together. So monitor that trio.