The Washington Capitals will be playing their third Metropolitan Division opponent when they take on the New York Islanders Thursday night at Capital One Arena. Washington will be looking for its fourth straight win.
Here are the projected lines for Thursday’s matchup.
#Caps’ lines, pairs and goalies after the big Backstrom news:
Ovechkin-Strome-Wilson
Milano-Kuznetsov-Oshie
Mantha-McMichael-Phillips
Malenstyn-Lapierre-ProtasFehervary-Carlson
Sandin-TvR
Haman Aktell-Jensen
Alexeyev-JohansenKuemper
Lindgren— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 1, 2023
The Capitals will be without forward Nicklas Backstrom as he announced on Wednesday that he will be stepping away from the game to address his health. Connor McMichael will move to center and Hendrix Lapierre will center the fourth line for the second consecutive game.
Tom Wilson was testing out a new base layer with neck protection along with defenseman Hardy Häman Aktell. This comes following the tragic death of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson, who was cut by a skate blade in the neck during a game in the United Kingdom. It eventually took his life, sending shockwaves around the hockey world.
Wilson on the Warroad brand base layer shirt w/ neck protection that he wore: “I didn’t really notice it all. We’ll see. I’m not sure if I’ll wear it tonight yet. I have to get used to it a little bit. It’s not big deal if it’s going to protect you.” #Caps https://t.co/NX8XQJA6cy
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 2, 2023
Defenseman Joel Edmundson participated in the morning skate, but Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said that he is still a ways away from suiting up. Edmundson is recovering from a fractured hand that he suffered during a scrimmage. He is not eligible to return until Nov. 9.
The Capitals’ next home win will mark the 1,000th home win in franchise history. Washington’s all-time record at home is 999-654-153-96 (.591 point percentage). The Capitals can become the 15th team in NHL history to win 1,000 home games and the first franchise to do so that entered the NHL in 1974 or later.
The Capitals have earned 553 wins at Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center and MCI Center), 444 wins at Capital Centre, one win at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (2018 Stadium Series) and one win at Nationals Park (2015 Winter Classic). The combined attendance for the Capitals’ 999 home wins exceeds 15 million.
The Capitals will take on the Islanders at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.
By Jacob Cheris
I figured they would slide Mantha over to LW. Makes sense since he’s a lefty. Eager for CMM’s chance at 3C. That third line lowkey looks dangerous. I don’t think the 4th line best suits Lapy’s skillset, but we’ll see how he looks.
I see Mantha feeling secure in his spot and he’ll return to invisibility status.
Possibly however as this is his contract year future job and money may be speaking loudly in his ear to keep it up at least so that he get a contract after this season. Money is a good motivator for some as is having a job!
I know I am in the minority, but I have always advocated pro leagues using full face masks. After Evander Kane got his wrist slashed in Tampa I felt that they should look into wrist guards. Now it’s neck guards. Equipment is supposed to protect the players.
I thought that when the push began for less fighting they would go to the cage and force players to wear the straps tight to keep the helmets on and if you took your off or someone else too it off there would be a penalty. Would definitely stop the fighting, which I enjoy, I have no problem with any safety feature that will ensure that players are safer on the ice. Just have to convince the players!
I thought that they would have done the mandatory neck guard years ago when Clint Malarchuk was injured in ’89 and then again in 2008 when ex Cap Richard Zednik then playing for Panthers was cut in the neck by Olli Jokinen. Guess it takes a death for the NHL to make safety changes. Look how long it took for helmets to be mandatory but cups have been used for how much longer? Does anyone today think it is manly to lose tooth and be hit in the head with the puck? Players today need to set the example for the young kids playing today!!
Just what this team needs another over 30 year old player! As they are going to be on the loosing end as much or more than the winning end let the kids play and learn! That I will watch not the over 30 crowd,