Here's everything to know as the Capitals take on the Panthers and look to end a five-game losing streak.
The Washington Capitals feel that their season is on the line with this next slate of games, and they'll be on the hunt for two critical points against the Florida Panthers that can put an end to a five-game losing streak.
Here's everything to know before puck drop at 7 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena.
Washington Capitals Line Combinations
The Capitals lines will look slightly different than they were against Montreal on Tuesday, as D.C. will make two adjustments up front and on the blue line after a 5-2 loss to the Canadiens.
Matthew Phillips will play in his first game in over a month, while Nicolas Aube-Kubel will draw out. On defense, Ethan Bear will draw back in while Trevor van Riemsdyk takes a seat due to illness.
Darcy Kuemper will start after relieving Charlie Lindgren against the Habs.
Here are the projected lines:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson
Max Pacioretty-Connor McMichael-T.J. Oshie
Aliaksei Protas-Michael Sgarbossa-Anthony Mantha
Beck Malenstyn-Nic Dowd-Matthew Phillips
Martin Fehervary-John Carlson
Rasmus Sandin-Ethan Bear
Joel Edmundson-Nick Jensen
Darcy Kuemper
Charlie Lindgren
Washington Capitals Injury Report
- Sonny Milano (upper-body) remains out for his 24th straight contest but recently upgraded to a contact jersey. He is unlikely for Saturday against the Boston Bruins, but head coach Spencer Carbery did say his return was possible as he ramps up.
- Evgeny Kuznetsov remains out indefinitely in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
- Nicklas Backstrom (hip) remains on the long-term injured reserve with his hip not responding as he'd hoped following hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022.
Washington Capitals Storylines
- Alex Ovechkin has goals in back-to-back games and hit the 10-goal mark on Tuesday.
- Dylan Strome has points in three straight games and leads Washington in points (33).
- Rasmus Sandin has goals in back-to-back games.
- John Carlson has points in three of his last four games.
- Martin Fehervary has assists in four of his last seven outings.
- Washington is on its annual Mentors’ Trip. The team is 17-8-0 all-time with mentors in attendance.
How To Watch Capitals vs. Panthers
The game will be live on Monumental Sports Network and can be streamed on ESPN+. Fans can also tune in on Caps Radio 24/7 and 106.7 FM The Fan.