Game Day: Mantha Promoted, Sandin In, Capitals Look To Build Off NJ With Big Game Against Wild

WASHINGTON — After a chaotic victory on Wednesday in New Jersey, the Washington Capitals are back home and looking to build off that win as they take on the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

Washington (2-3-1) broke out and overcame its early offensive struggles, striking three times in the first and third periods to escape Newark with a win over the Devils despite a second-period collapse that saw the Capitals blow a 3-0 lead and give up four goals.

They'll look to do all the right things on Friday against the Wild, who are 3-3-1 (.500) to open the 2023-24 campaign.

Here's everything to know before puck drop.

Here are the projected lines for Washington vs. Minnesota, as Anthony Mantha earned a promotion following a multi-point breakout performance against New Jersey.

Rasmus Sandin is in and on the second pairing during rushes. He left Wednesday’s game with injury.

Washington got positive news as Charlie Lindgren made progress and joined his team, but he will not dress. Nic Dowd remains out and is still listed as day-to-day.

The Capitals got away from their poor habits to open the campaign, as the power play has a goal in two straight games after going 0-for-14 to open the season. Washington's penalty kill was also able to tighten up against New Jersey, though it still ranks third-worst in the league (69.6).

Staying strong on special teams will be vital for this group, especially against Minnesota, who ranks seventh-to-last on the PK (72.7) and has just a 12 percent success rate on the man advantage.

- Alex Ovechkin has goals in back-to-back games and is on a four-game point streak.

- John Carlson has points in five straight games.

- Dylan Strome has a team-leading four goals in six games to open the season.

- Anthony Mantha was one of the best players against the Devils, helping generate pressure and posting a goal and assist.

-Tom Wilson has points in three of his last four games.