Jakub Vrana WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are officially back in action at Capital One Arena, as they’re set to take on the Philadelphia Flyers to open their preseason on Sunday. Puck drop is at 3 p.m. ET. Here’s everything to know before puck drop, from line combinations to names to watch. CAPITALS LINE COMBINATIONS Here are the projected line combinations for Sunday's game, as Jakub Vrana, Hendrix Lapierre and Ethen Frank make up the first line. Jakub Vrana-Hendrix Lapierre-Ethen Frank Sonny Milano-Riley Sutter-Terik Parascak Andrew Cristall-Henrik Rybinski-Ivan Miroshnichenko Alex Limoges-Eriks Mateiko-Taylor Raddysh Alex Alexeyev-Ethan Bear Leon Muggli-Trevor van Riemsdyk Hardy Häman Aktell-Cam Allen Hunter Shepard Clay Stevenson CAPITALS NAMES TO WATCH - Jakub Vrana returns to his old stomping grounds back in a Capitals uniform, as he looks to make a strong impression on the first line in his first game back with the organization. He is trying to earn a roster spot as he attends camp on a PTO. - Ethan Bear is playing in his first game back with the Capitals since entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program last season to get treatment for ongoing anxiety and depression. He said he feels like he did back when he entered the league and is ready to make a strong impression. - Capitals 2024 first-round pick Terik Parascak will make his NHL preseason debut just months after being taken 17th overall. He is looking to start his first camp on the right foot. - 2024 second-round pick Leon Muggli will make his NHL preseason debut alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk, who has been mentoring the young Swiss blueliner. Third-round pick Eriks Mateiko will also make his debut at center. - Ivan Miroshnichenko and Matvei Michkov will face off against one another for the first time at the highest level as both will suit up for their respective clubs on Sunday. - Riley Sutter is in for Mike Sgarbossa, who took a puck to the face on Saturday. Sgarbossa skated with the non-game group. - Taylor Raddysh makes his debut for Washington after signing with the team this offseason. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS - Capitals training camp notebook as Ovechkin & Chychrun make up skate test [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-notebook-day-3-training-camp] - Andrew Mangiapane says Johnny Gaudreau's passing is still difficult to process; Capitals forward calls late star his 'role model' and 'best friend in hockey' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-andrew-mangiapane-johnny-gaudreau] - Expect big year for Rasmus Sandin amid upgrades on Capitals blue line [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-rasmus-sandin-big-year-revamp-blue-line] - Charlie Lindgren goes all out with new Capitals mask for 2024-25 season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-charlie-lindgren-new-mask-2024-25]a
