The Capitals sit eight points out of a playoff spot and have a critical game against the Devils on Tuesday.
The Capitals sit eight points out of a playoff spot and have a critical game against the Devils on Tuesday.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals held back-to-back optional skates ahead of Tuesday's tilt with the New Jersey Devils, with head coach Spencer Carbery citing rust after days off as the reason for changing up the schedule.
Regardless, both days saw strong attendance, including at Tuesday's optional morning skate. Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie were among those taking part in the practice, along with Tom Wilson, Aliaksei Protas, Sonny Milano, Beck Malenstyn, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Ethan Bear, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Alex Alexeyev.
Charlie Lindgren, who took the ice early, will get the start, with Darcy Kuemper backing up.
The forward lines are expected to remain intact following Saturday's 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens, with Aube-Kubel taking the scratches' skate as Milano remains in the mix for D.C. following his return from an injury that held him out for the last two months and change.
For Washington, the only changes will be at defense, as Ethan Bear will draw back into the lineup with Martin Fehervary dealing with a week-to-week lower-body injury. Bear has been navigating healthy scratches as he looks to find consistency and win a full-time spot in the lineup.
Trevor van Riemsdyk will switch to his off-side and skate with John Carlson to start. Alex Alexeyev took the scratches' skate with Aube-Kubel.
Here are the likely combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-T.J. Oshie
Max Pacioretty-Mike Sgarbossa-Sonny Milano
Aliaksei Protas-Connor McMichael-Anthony Mantha
Beck Malenstyn-Nic Dowd-Tom Wilson
Trevor van Riemsdyk-John Carlson
Rasmus Sandin-Nick Jensen
Joel Edmundson-Ethan Bear
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.