The Capitals are looking to stop the bleeding and get back on track against Montreal. Here's what to know before puck drop.
The Washington Capitals are looking to turn things around quickly following a telling 6-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday and an overall lackluster start to the season, and they'll be put to the test again as they look to stop the bleeding against the Montreal Canadiens.
Washington (1-2-0) has managed just three goals all season, as the offense has struggled to not only execute but to get pucks on net. Special teams is also struggling, as the power play has yet to convert while the penalty kill has taken something of a step back.
Montreal (1-1-1) has 10 goals to its name this season, as Cole Caufield and the young roster has managed to get a lot going up front.
Here's everything to know before puck drop.
Washington Capitals Lines
Here are the projected lines for the Capitals based on the changes made at Friday's practice.
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Matthew Phillips
Connor McMichael-Evgeny Kuznetsov-T.J. Oshie
Sonny Milano-Nicklas Backstrom-Tom Wilson
Beck Malenstyn-Nic Dowd-Aliaksei Protas
Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson
Martin Fehervary-Nick Jensen
Hardy Häman Aktell-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Darcy Kuemper
Clay Stevenson
Lucas Johansen-Alex Alexeyev
Darcy Kuemper
Clay Stevenson
Injury report: Nic Dowd (upper-body), Charlie Lindgren (upper-body), Joel Edmundson (hand), Max Pacioretty (Achilles)
Washington Capitals Players To Watch
Watch for Hardy Häman Aktell, who is making his NHL debut with the Capitals hoping to spark something on the third pairing, which has struggled greatly to open the season. Nick Jensen will move up to operate with Martin Fehervary, while Trevor van Riemsdyk will work with the young Swede.
And, of course, keep an eye on Alex Ovechkin, who took accountability for his rough start to the season. He has been held without a shot in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, though he did have an assist on Wednesday. He showed more chemistry working with Dylan Strome, and having Matthew Phillips, the team's only forward with more than a point this season, on the top line should help provide more speed there.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at Bell Centre.