Here's what to know as the Capitals continue their playoff push against the Panthers.
The Washington Capitals have done a complete 180 at a critical time, as the team is starting to get into a rhythm with a three-game winning streak. It's come at a cost, though, as Washington has lost three key players to injury over that span. Still, the Capitals are confident and looking to keep the momentum and playoff push going on their second stop in Florida as they take on the Panthers on Saturday.
Washington remains seven points out of playoff position with Tampa and Detroit both managing big wins on Saturday.
Here’s what to know before puck drop at Amerant Bank Arena at 7 p.m. ET.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The Capitals lines are getting another update, as T.J. Oshie is the latest forward to join D.C.'s growing injury list.
With Oshie out, Nicolas Aube-Kubel will get a chance on the top-line right wing, with Alex Ovechkin and Connor McMichael again teaming up on that first unit. Dylan Strome has moved to operate with Anthony Mantha on the second line.
Meanwhile, Oshie's absence also opens an extra spot in the lineup, and call-up Pierrick Dubé will draw into the mix and make his NHL debut, head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters.
Hendrix Lapierre, who joined the team after his call-up on Friday with Nic Dowd going on the injured reserve, is the healthy scratch. Ethan Bear will also draw out with Alex Alexeyev drawing back into the lineup.
Charlie Lindgren starts, with Darcy Kuemper backing up.
Here are the projected line combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Connor McMichael-Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Anthony Mantha-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson
Max Pacioretty-Mike Sgarbossa-Sonny Milano
Beck Malenstyn-Aliaksei Protas-Pierrick Dubé
Trevor van Riemsdyk-John Carlson
Rasmus Sandin-Nick Jensen
Joel Edmundson-Alex Alexeyev
Charlie Lindgren
Darcy Kuemper
Washington Capitals Injury Report
- T.J. Oshie is still being evaluated and monitored after leaving Thursday's game with a lower-body injury, and he will not play against the Panthers. The severity and Oshie's timeline remain unclear following the non-contact injury, which led to him crawling off the ice and having to be helped down the tunnel.
- Nic Dowd is day-to-day with an upper-body injury he suffered back on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. He was placed on the IR and will be out until at least Tuesday.
- Martin Fehervary is week-to-week with a lower-body injury he suffered back on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. He was skating behind the net when he lost an edge, and his leg buckled under him.
- Evgeny Kuznetsov remains away from the team indefinitely as he receives care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
- Nicklas Backstrom remains on indefinite leave due to his hip not responding as he'd hoped following hip resurfacing surgery.
Washington Capitals Storylines
- Alex Ovechkin has scored eight goals in his last nine outings after having just eight goals through the first 45 games of the season. He's also on a 10-game point streak and is playing in career game No. 1,400.
- Connor McMichael is coming off back-to-back two-goal performances against both Tampa and New Jersey and has five goals in his last six games.
- Aliaksei Protas and Dylan Stromre are riding three-game point streaks.
- Anthony Mantha has five points in his last four games.
- Joel Edmundson has two assists in his last three games.
How To Watch Capitals vs. Panthers
The game will be live on Monumental Sports Network and be streamed on ESPN+.
Fans can also tune in on Caps Radio 24/7 and 106.7 FM The Fan.