Here's everything to know as the Capitals face the Sabres to officially kick off their NHL preseason action.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals make their long-awaited return to Capital One Arena on Sunday, as a handful of regulars and rising prospects will take the ice for their preseason opener against the Buffalo Sabres.
Here's everything to know ahead of puck drop, including lines, names to watch and more.
Washington Capitals Lines
Group A from Saturday's training camp session will be taking the ice for the preseason opener, barring any setbacks. Regulars Anthony Mantha, Dylan Strome and more will be in the mix, while Hendrix Lapierre, Riley Sutter, Vincent Iorio, Lucas Johansen, Dylan McIlrath and Hunter Shepard will play in their first game since hoisting the Calder Cup in Coachella Valley.
Here are the lines:
Aliaksei Protas-Dylan Strome-Matthew Phillips
Sonny Milano-Hendrix Lapierre-Anthony Mantha
Jake Karabela-Riley Sutter-Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Alexander Suzdalev-Ryan Hofer-Henrik Rybinski
Alex Alexeyev-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary-Vincent Iorio
Lucas Johansen-Dylan McIlrath
Hunter Shepard
Clay Stevenson
Bogdan Trineyev was a healthy scratch up front, and Nick Leivermann and Jon McDonald sat as the extra defensemen. Shepard and Clay Stevenson will more than likely split the game.
Washington Capitals Names To Watch
Keep an eye on Anthony Mantha. The 29-year-old said he feels more explosive on the ice following an offseason of significant weight loss, rigorous training and extra attention to nutrition. He is looking to bounce back in a contract year and to prove to the Capitals that he can be the player they traded for, and preseason is a good start.
Also, Matthew Phillips has been one of training camp's standouts so far. The 5-foot-8 forward acknowledged that he has almost always been the smallest player on his teams, but there's no doubting his speed and skill. He is looking to surprise at camp and win a spot, so look for him to try and make a major impact in his first game in D.C.
Riley Sutter's also worth watching closely, as he earned a lot of praise over the offseason from management and is looking to take the next step forward in his development.
Puck drop is at 2 p.m. ET.