Connor McMichael got rewarded following a standout game for the Capitals against Boston on Tuesday.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — It was a busy day for the Washington Capitals' first group at Wednesday's training camp session, and one that also rewarded Connor McMichael for a standout performance on Tuesday.
With Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov and more regulars not skating on Thursday following the victory in Boston, McMichael was given the top-line center role, skating with Alex Ovechkin and Ivan Miroshnichenko.
It was a big reward for the 21-year-old, who put on a show in Beantown. He net the game's first goal just 26 seconds in and led the team with 11 shots on the night.
Meanwhile, on defense, things saw a shakeup as T.J. Oshie slotted in on defense. The 36-year-old was put there simply to get all of his defenders equal reps, given there were an odd number of blueliners with Group B having the day off.
Here were the combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Connor McMichael-Ivan Miroshnichenko
Joe Snively-Hendrix Lapierre-Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Anthony Mantha-Aliaksei Protas-Matthew Phillips
Beck Malenstyn-Michael Sgarbossa-Alex Limoges
Alex Alexeyev-Nick Jensen
Martin Fehervary-Dylan McIlrath
Lucas Johansen-Hardy Häman Aktell
T.J. Oshie-Vincent Iorio
Charlie Lindgren, Hunter Shepard and Clay Stevenson were the goalies. Darcy Kuemper had off following his win in Boston.
Spencer Carbery kept things high pace, as has been the pattern here entering the final days of camp. The team practiced odd-man rushes, power play and offensive-zone possession.
Washington will be back in action on Thursday as the team heads to Columbus for a preseason meeting with the Blue Jackets. The game group will skate first, followed by the non-game group.