Washington Capitals: Top 3 storylines heading into the preseason

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Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Washington Capitals hockey is (kind of) back. The team takes on the Boston Bruins tonight in the first preseason game. Puck drop is at 5 p.m. We’ve previewed the game and already made some bold predictions. Now it’s time to digest the top 3 storylines.

Connor McMichael, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 The situation at center

Nicklas Backstrom is week to week as he recovers from hip surgery. It is likely this means that Evgeny Kuznetsov will center the top line for the time being while Lars Eller gets a bump up to center. What does that mean for guys like Connor McMichael chomping at the bit for more NHL action? It means there could be a spot for him on the third line.

Connor McMichael will be in the lineup tonight for the Caps first preseason game. With Lars Eller in there too, expect McMichael to center the second line tonight. McMichael previously appeared in two Caps preseason games in the fall of 2019, recording an assist.

McMichael made his NHL and Caps debut on Jan. 24 against the Buffalo Sabres while starring in Hershey in his first season in the AHL. He led the Bears with 14 goals and 27 points while appearing in all 33 of their games. If McMichael is ready to take that next step, look for a big performance from him this preseason.

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