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Top 3 impact Capitals to watch against Red Wings

For all the marbles (maybe?)

By Michael Marzzacco |
Lucas Johansen, Washington Capitals
Lucas Johansen, Washington Capitals / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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The Washington Capitals take things on the road when they take on the Detroit Red Wings in the third and final meeting betwen the two teams this season. Winner take all maybe. Or keep dancing. Loser has to start looking at tee times. Here are the top 3 Caps to watch but first how to watch.

  • Date: Tonight
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Where: Little Caesars Arena
  • What Channel Is Capitals Game On: ESPN
  • Radio: 99.1 WDCH and Caps Radio 24/7
  • Betting Odds: Per Caesars the Caps are underdogs at 1.5 with +130 moneyline odds. The Red Wings are hot n ready as favorites with -155 with an over/under of 6.0 goals. Odds subject to change.
  • Live Streaming: fuboTV has live NHL games on ESPN which you can stream from your phone, television, and all your favorite devices. This is a service that broadcasts live TV over the internet, no cable is required. Watch your favorite teams, network shows, news, and movies on 100+ channels. Plus on-demand entertainment including full TV series. fuboTV is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Spain.
  • Reddit: Reddit can sometimes have streams of live NHL games but make sure they are legal. The official NHL Subreddit is located at https://www.reddit.com/r/nhl/.

Now for the top 3 impact players starting with LuJo...

#3 Lucas Johansen

The Caps had to call up Lucas Johansen in the wake of defenseman Rasmus Sandin who coach Spencer Carbery said was going to miss some time. He injured himself Sunday night in the overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.

The 26 year old 2016 first rounder has one assist in six games wih the Caps this season. So far with the AHL best Hershey Bears (not just saying that because we're a Caps hockey blog, check the standings), Johansen has 12 points in 22 games with a pair of goals and 10 assists.

Hendrix Lapierre, Washington Capitals
Hendrix Lapierre, Washington Capitals / Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Hendrix Lapierre

Hendrix Lapierre has stepped up well even in the middle of the Caps six game slump. The T.J. Oshie injury has enabled the young bucks to get more ice time but Carbery did note that Oshie will be making the trip to Detroit which is good news. Caps need him. But they need Lapierre as well.

"More opportunities for some young guys to step in and step up in a big moment for our team," Carbery told the media after their practice.

Lapierre had an assist on Sunday against the Sens which was his sixth helper in his last nine games. He's been a nice asset to the team and it was a steal on draft night in 2020 as the Caps traded up for him.

He showed up this season against Ottawa as it was his third point in two games and both were on home ice. The other one which was a late February win saw the 22 year old score twice.

Per the Caps, since his latest recall and being inserted back into the lineup on Feb. 26, Lapierre ranks second on the team in plus/minus with a plus four. He also ranks third in goals with six as well as assists in eight. He is also fourth in points with 14.

Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals
Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Dylan Strome believe it or not is now second on the Caps in goal scoring thanks to Alex Ovechkin's resurgence. But he still has 26 goals and 38 assists to lead the Caps with 64 points. More importantly than stats, he understands the assignment tonight.

Strome told the media after Monday's practice:

"We've been saying it for a while but they're all big games. Obviously you don't like losing six in a row. But as crazy as it is with losing six in a row and getting two points only in that span of a possible 12, I mean, I know we're still in it so... Five games left we need to get at least four wins or five. They're all big games. We're excited and looking forward to it."
Dylan Strome

The Caps can leapfrog the Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins with two points tonight. They would also tie the New York Islanders for third in the wild card. Scores from out of town show the Penguins getting a point in an overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night.

On the docket tonight besides the Capitals, the Philadelphia Flyers (who are tied with the Caps with 83 points) are on the road in Montreal to face the Habs. The Islanders host the Rangers in the battle of who the best hockey team in New York is (it's neither, the correct answer is Tom Wilson).

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