WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals got a big wake-up call on Saturday in an ugly showing against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and as they return home just over 24 hours later, the team — with Alex Ovechkin back in tow — looks to finish things up at Capital One Arena on a high note.
Here's everything to know before puck drop in D.C. at 6 p.m. ET.
With a win, Washington locks in a first-round date with the Montreal Canadiens.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The Capitals will see a few lineup changes, as Alex Ovechkin will draw back in after sitting out on Saturday to get some rest. This time, it will be John Carlson's turn for a game off, and Dylan McIlrath will draw back in for him.
Jakob Chychrun is a game-time decision. He's missed the last two games after being a late scratch on Thursday due to illness.
Charlie Lindgren will start in goal.
Here are the combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Andrew Mangiapane-Lars Eller-Ryan Leonard
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy
Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary-Dylan McIlrath
Charlie Lindgren
Hunter Shepard
Washington Capitals Stats
- Alex Ovechkin is riding a six-game point streak.
- Dylan Strome has points in six of the last seven outings.
- Tom Wilson has points in four of the last seven.
Washington Capitals Storylines
- Look out for Ryan Leonard, who got in his first NHL fight on Saturday and had quite a few high-quality looks to boot.
- Keep an eye on Anthony Beauvillier.
- In addition to Beauvillier, the rest of the fourth line has also impressed with new career highs.