The Capitals are looking to start November with the same dominance that helped them go 7-2 in October.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are back in action as they continue their statement run to open the year, and they're hoping to start November off with the same dominance they showed in October as they host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Here is everything to know before puck drop at 5 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The Capitals will have one lineup change, as Hendrix Lapierre draws back into the lineup after a two-game mental reset while Mike Sgarbossa draws out.
Otherwise, they're sticking with what worked against the Montreal Canadiens back on Thursday, as they'll keep the rest of the forward lines and defensive pairings intact.
Washington's only change will be in goal, as Logan Thompson continues to share the crease with Charlie Lindgren and gets the start against Columbus.
Vincent Iorio, who was called up with Jakob Chychrun going on the injured reserve, will be the healthy scratch on defense, while Sgarbossa and Sonny Milano are the extras upfront.
Here are the projected line combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Aliaksei Protas
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Andrew Mangiapane-Hendrix Lapierre-Jakub Vrana
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Martin Fehervary-John Carlson
Rasmus Sandin-Dylan McIlrath
Alex Alexeyev-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Logan Thompson
Charlie Lindgren
Washington Capitals Stats
- The Capitals power play ended an 0-for-22 drought back on Thursday with Tom Wilson scoring his team-leading sixth goal in nine games on the man advantage.
- Dylan Strome leads D.C. with 12 points through nine appearances and has found the scoresheet in all but one game this year.
- Washington ranks first in the league when it comes to the least amount of shots allowed per game, as they surrender just 24 on average.
Washington Capitals Players & Storylines To Watch
- Alex Ovechkin has goals (3) in back-to-back games and will look to stay hot against Columbus. In 48 career games against the Blue Jackets, he has 25 goals.
- Connor McMichael's hot streak is alive and well, and he has nine points in his last seven outings while also producing at over a point-per-game pace. Look for him to keep the good times rolling for the Capitals.
- Aliaksei Protas has five points in his last two games and continues to be an impact player for Washington with nine points in nine games so far.
- The Capitals' 4.11 goals per game are the third-most in the NHL. Watch for the offense to keep clicking, as D.C. has scored at least three goals in all but one game this season.
- All proceeds from the Caps 50/50 raffle on Saturday will benefit the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Class act from the organization to honor their lives.