The Washington Capitals open their pre-season schedule Monday night at Verizon Center, when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes.   Braden Holtby and Dan Ellis will split time in net for the Capitals.  Game time is 7:00 PM EST. It can be viewed on Comcast Sportsnet or on the NHL Network outside of the DC area.  The complete lineup cards for both teams were released on Sunday and provided below.

The entire press release for the game can be found here.

Both teams have assigned a mixed bag of veterans and young talent for this game.  For the Washington Capitals, Jakub Vrana, Stanislav Galiev and Riley Barber will lead the way for the prospects.  Dmitri Orlov will also make his much-anticipated return to the ice at Verizon. Welcome back Dmitri.  Derek Roy, in Washington Capitals camp on a try-out basis will also make his first appearance as a Washington Capital, and will be an interesting one to follow in this game.

Free Hockey!
As many you are aware, the NHL has instituted 3-on-3 play for all overtimes this season, in attempt to reduce the number of games that end in a shootout. As a result the NHL has decided to test the new format in 45 pre-season games, including Monday nights Capitals-Hurricanes game. Following the end of the game, regardless of score, there will be a five-minute period of 3-on-3 hockey, to give the league and coaches a feel for things.  It should be exciting.

New Security Measures At Verizon
Verizon Center has implemented new walk-through metal detectors at all entrances. We will be utilizing this form of screening process for all Capitals and Wizards games this year as well as other arena events. The new walk-through style metal detectors, similar to those used at airports and government office buildings, are designed to improve and speed up the entry process and will replace the hand-held devices that had been used in prior years.

New Seating Plans
Several modifications to the seating plans have also been made for this years season. Two additional rows of VIP seating have been added to the 100 level seats. Rows C and D are now also considered VIP seating.  The additional VIP seating means new VIP facilities, which have been added this season. NoVa Caps will review on Monday and fill you guys in. Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets have been eliminated this season.