Washington Capitals: Lineup Changes Aplenty as Regular Season Comes to a Close
The last morning skate of the season happened for the Washington Capitals on Saturday, and there’s some lineup changes for the final game of the year.
The Washington Capitals top line remains the same, as Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson will man the top forward line. Aside from that, everyone has a new role. Ovechkin, at 51 goals, is ahead of Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl by two goals for the Rocket Richard race. Other than that, there’s some lineup changes.
The typical third line has bumped up and taken second line duties, while Dimitrij Jaskin will get a sweater for the first time since Feb. 17. Jonas Siegenthaler is back in The District and will play for the first time since Feb. 5.
Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and John Carlson are the regulars that will sit this one out, in anticipation of next week’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Forwards
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Wilson
Hagelin-Eller-Connolly
Vrana-Boyd-Jaskin
Burakovsky-Dowd-Stephenson
Defense
Orlov-Niskanen
Siegenthaler-Jensen
Orpik-Djoos
The net-minder tonight will be Pheonix Copley. He’ll try and put the bow on Game 82 with his 27th appearance of the season. Copley is 16-6-3 this season with a .904 save percentage and a 2.94 GAA. Tonight will be his 24th start of the season.
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Braden Holtby‘s season, unless Copley cannot finish tonight’s game, will be over with 59 games played a 32-19-5 record. He posted a .911 save percentage and a 2.82 GAA.
Line To Watch:
The Second Defense Pair
With Michal Kempny‘s unfortunate, season-ending injury, the Capitals defense has been thrown into a bit of a funk down the stretch. Dmitry Orlov and Matt Niskanen appear attached at the hip this year and will be the same guys we’ve seen all year long. The second pairing, though, features The New Guy and Jonas Siegenthaler, who will assuredly see at least a game of Stanley Cup Playoff action. Last year, the Capitals blueline remained remarkably healthy in the 24 playoffs games, but still started out the playoffs with Jakub Jerabek against Columbus.
Jonas Siegenthaler: Back from Hershey and back in the Caps lineup, Siegenthaler figures to be a mainstay in Washington, in the press box or on the ice, until the Capitals run ends. He had four assists in 25 games in Washington this season, so it will be interesting to monitor him and see how his minutes are handled, as well as the rust he’s got. He hasn’t played a game since March 24. He posted a slightly below 50 percent Corsi rating (48.97) in Washington, but didn’t allow many high danger chances (51-38) in his time here. As has been shown, the Capitals blueline can turn in a hurry, so Siegenthaler has got to make the most of his opportunity, because the next one could be right around the corner.
Nick Jensen: The known commodity of the Capitals second pair, Jensen will likely be the calming influence on Siegenthaler tonight. This will give coach Todd Reirden a look at Siegenthaler in a game once again, and perhaps a shot to see what he’s got as the playoffs start. With the playoffs just a game away, don’t expect Siegenthaler to hit the ice immediately based on one game back. But if Jensen and Siegenthaler can perform well enough together, the pairing could be an option in the playoffs — should the situation call for it.
Next. A Look at the Three Potential Capitals First Round Playoff Opponents. dark
The Capitals and New York Islanders square off tonight in the final game of the regular season. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington. Then it’s on to the playoffs!