The Capitals pay a visit to the Blue Jackets. (Russell LaBounty — Imagn Images)The Washington Capitals are continuing to gear up for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they'll face another good test on Saturday as they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets without captain Alex Ovechkin in tow.
Here's everything to know before puck drop at 12:30 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The lineup will see some major changes, with Ovechkin sitting out to get some rest after a busy week. Jakob Chychrun also remains out of the mix after missing last game due to illness, and Aliaksei Protas and Logan Thompson remain injured.
As a result, Ethen Frank and Alex Alexeyev will draw in, and it marks Alexeyev's first game since November 2024.
Hunter Shepard will start.
Here are the lines:
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Ethen Frank-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier
Andrew Mangiapane-Lars Eller-Ryan Leonard
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson
Martin Fehervary-Matt Roy
Alex Alexeyev-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Hunter Shepard
Charlie Lindgren
Washington Capitals Stats
- Dylan Strome has points in six straight games.
- Tom Wilson has points in four of his last six games.
- Nic Dowd set a new career high in goals and points last game.
Washington Capitals Storylines
- Look out for Ethen Frank as he makes his return to the lineup and plays for the first time since March 7.
- Keep an eye on Ryan Leonard, who continues to get more comfortable as time goes on.
- Connor McMichael is also starting to pick up hsi game down the stretch with points in two of his last three.
