Washington Capitals Playoffs: Lineup changes must happen for Game 5

Even with a fully healthy lineup, the Washington Capitals lost Game 4 and are now staring at a 3-1 series hole. As they approach tonight’s do or die Game 5, I decided to put myself in Peter Laviolette’s shoes and try my best to tweak the lineup.

To the surprise of no one, playoff Laviolette is in full effect. Listening to his press conferences, he doesn’t reveal much when it comes to the lineup. Tonight will be no different.

Keep in mind this was written before the Caps had their morning skate so we don’t know who’s going to be in or out. But examining the lines here is how I would fix them.

Nicklas Backstrom has struggled throughout the playoffs. Moving him to the top line next to Alex Ovechkin should light a spark under him. I would also bump T.J. Oshie to the top line while leaving Ovechkin put.

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This brings us to the second line. Take out Anthony Mantha and put Daniel Sprong in there please for the love of God. Evgeny Kuznetsov moves up to center that line alongside Tom Wilson.

Next is the third line where I would let Conor Sheary and Lars Eller stay. Take out Michael Raffl and in comes young stud Connor McMichael. McMichael is a black ace and would make his playoff debut. His speed would give the Caps a spark that they need.

Finally there’s the fourth line. Leave that line completely alone. They’ve been the best line all playoffs. That’s the Carl Hagelin–Nic Dowd–Garnet Hathaway line. The podcast bros (Dowd and Hathaway) have teared it up in the playoffs and that’s been one of the few positives.

Onto the defense which is even harder. Dmitry Orlov has been good. John Carlson has been on and off. Brenden Dillon and Justin Schultz have made their share of mistakes but are still good. Then there’s Zdeno Chara and Nick Jensen.

I have no idea honestly what I would do for the defense. Maybe give Trevor van Riemsdyk a look but if we do that we have to take someone out. Honestly, I don’t know who I would take out or who would be the odd man out. It wouldn’t be Chara, he wants payback on his old team.

Anyway, that is how I would tweak the Caps lineup. What are your strategies and mock lineups? Feel free to let us know in the comments.