ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals held a lighter optional morning skate ahead of Thursday's elimination game against the Carolina Hurricanes, with several regulars choosing not to take the ice and get some extra rest going into Game 5.
Among those who took the option was starter Logan Thompson, who usually takes part in morning skates. Despite his absence, and despite the recall of Clay Stevenson, there is no concern regarding Thompson's availability and he's set to start Game 5.
Stevenson's recall is for goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who took the optional skate but has personal matters to attend to. It's unclear if that means he will not dress as the backup for Thursday's contest.
Meanwhile, Lars Eller indeed took the scratches' skate and stayed on for extra work with Ethen Frank, Dylan McIlrath and Ethan Bear, indicating that he will not play. It marks his first healthy scratch since being re-acquired by the Capitals in November.
Lars Eller Opens Up About Lack Of Production, Limited Minutes Amid Likely Healthy Scratch For Game 5: 'It Is What It Is'
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals center Lars Eller says he's been doing the best he can at this point in his career, but admitted that the road hasn't exactly been easy.
Eller has struggled over the course of the postseason, with his third line failing to generate much in terms of offense. So, coach Spencer Carbery is putting Connor McMichael in his place to see if that sparks speed or any potential offense.
Here are the expected combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Aliaksei Protas
Andrew Mangiapane-Connor McMichael-Ryan Leonard
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson
Jakob Chychrun-Matt Roy
Alex Alexeyev-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Logan Thompson
Clay Stevenson
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena. D.C. needs to pull off a victory to keep the season alive.