ARLINGTON, V.A. — Connor McMichael was caught by surprise on the Washington Capitals' off day on Tuesday, as coach Spencer Carbery let him know that he'd be slotting in at center going into a do-or-die Game 5 for D.C. on Thursday.
Though he's always played pivot, McMichael didn't imagine he'd be put back in that position at this point in the season, though he's more than ready for the challenge.
"Unexpected," McMichael said. "Anytime you're losing games, especially in the playoffs, you kind of expect a few changes, but it wasn't really in the back of my mind... Really comfortable (at center."
At Wednesday's practice, McMichael took Lars Eller's spot on the third line between Andrew Mangiapane and Ryan Leonard. Eller, meanwhile, was an extra and figures to be a healthy scratch amid a lack of production and dwindling minutes so far this postseason.
As has been the case so far this postseason, coach Spencer Carbery played his cards close to the vest and wouldn't confirm any lineup changes. However, he did speak highly of what McMichael brings to the table.
"He's a good hockey player. He helps us in a lot of different areas, penalty kill, power play, his pace to play," Carbery said. When he's using his feet, his quickness to evade big, long defenders. He's a good player for us, he has been all year."
McMichael is coming off a career showing in the regular season where he had 26 goals and 67 points, and so far this playoffs, he's been a top contributor with four goals and two assists through nine games.
Now, with the Capitals having their backs against the wall, McMichael is ready for the chance to show what he can do at his natural position and said he's also going to emphasize playing to Carolina's tendencies as he makes the transition.
"I think it's going to be pretty seamless for me... I think I'll be good," he said, adding, "Starting the series off as a winger, it'll be a little bit different playing up the middle, just making sure I'm good with my closes and the way we want to break up pucks, make sure I'm there supporting it."
Carbery expects more of the same, though his expectations of McMichael remain the same regardless of where he plays as the Capitals look to keep their season alive.
"His preparation, our guys' preparation, playing, not playing, left wing, right wing; it's all hands on deck for our entire group," Carbery said. "We're facing elimination tomorrow night at home. His preparation, i don't anticipate it being any (different)."