Wraparound World Junior Odds WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals haven't been like themselves over the last couple of games, and following back-to-back losses, they'll look to regain their form as they play host to the Carolina Hurricanes. Here's everything to know before puck drop at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena. WASHINGTON CAPITALS LINE COMBINATIONS The Capitals are shaking things up after a disappointing trip out west, while also dealing with some absences. Alex Ovechkin continues to recover from a broken leg [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-upgrade-contact-timetable-update] and will not return until after the holiday break [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-update-contact-holiday-break], and Lars Eller will also not play until Dec. 28 as he deals with illness. Charlie Lindgren will start. Here are the lines: Andrew Mangiapane-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Aliaksei Protas Jakub Vrana-Hendrix Lapierre-Taylor Raddysh Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Ivan Miroshnichenko Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk Martin Fehervary-Matt Roy Charlie Lindgren Logan Thompson WASHINGTON CAPITALS STATS - Pierre-Luc Dubois has points in five of his last six outings and eight points in his last seven games overall. WASHINGTON CAPITALS STORYLINES - Look out for Dylan Strome, who has 15 points in 19 career games against Carolina and leads the Capitals in scoring. - Connor McMichael is also long overdue for some 5-on-5 scoring amid recent struggles. - Ivan Miroshnichenko [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/features/washington-capitals-ivan-miroshnichenko-opportunity-recent-play-impressive] has also been impressing with his play of late; watch for him to try to get on the scoresheet. - Also keep an eye on Taylor Raddysh [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/features/washington-capitals-taylor-raddysh-fresh-start-making-impact-dc], who's rediscovered the joy in his game since signing with Washington and has also been one of the team's best additions analytically. - The last time these two teams played was a 7-6 shootout win thriller for D.C. To get two points, the Capitals will need more than just scoring; they'll need defense and special teams to step up, too.
