Phillips draws back in for the Capitals after sitting out the last two games as a healthy scratch.
The Washington Capitals lineup got a major makeover for Friday's tilt with the New York Islanders, and in addition to significant changes on the top-6, Matthew Phillips will also get to draw back into the mix after being a healthy scratch for the last two games.
Phillips will play on the third-line right wing while Ivan Miroshnichenko will sit out as a healthy scratch, and there are a few reasons why head coach Spencer Carbery has elected to plug No. 45 back into the lineup over the young Russian, who figures to head back to Hershey with Max Pacioretty likely to make his season debut on Saturday.
The biggest reason for the change is that Carbery wants to get a different look up front and try to spark some offense, especially at 5-on-5. The current combinations aren't working, leading Carbery to give the lineup a major makeover. Phillips is just one piece of that puzzle.
Still, reinserting Phillips gives the team a different look and Evgeny Kuznetsov a new linemate to work with, while having Hendrix Lapierre draw in on that line also gives the team another playmaking option.
Not only that, but Phillips can also log power-play time, and it can help with the team looking to build on its recent newfound success on the man advantage.
Miroshnichenko impressed in his four games, but getting a new look is important for Carbery with the team unable to get 5-on-5 production beyond the second line.
The Capitals could also be giving Phillips some more looks as serious roster decisions loom with Pacioretty, as well as T.J. Oshie and Sonny Milano all working their way back from injury. Washington will have to open spots for when each of them is ready to return, and Phillips figures to be that odd man out. Regardless, a healthy scratch is imminent, so it's beneficial for him to get playing time now.
In the end, the hope is that Phillips can ignite some kind of spark and recapture the play that earned him a roster spot in the first place. In 22 games so far this season, he has a goal and four assists. His only goal came back on Oct. 16 against his former Calgary Flames, and he last got on the scoresheet with an assist on Dec. 7 against the Dallas Stars.
Washington will face the New York Islanders at 7:30 p.m. ET at UBS Arena.