The Washington Capitals will look to bounce back for a nationally televised showdown with the Dallas Stars. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Thursday’s matchup.
Evgeny Kuznetsov will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch against the Arizona Coyotes. He will be centering a line with Hendrix Lapierre and Matthew Phillips. Thursday will be Kuznetsov’s 700th career NHL game. Kuznetsov will become the 13th skater in franchise history to reach the 700-game mark and would join current teammates Alex Ovechkin (1,369 GP), Nicklas Backstrom (1,105 GP), John Carlson (949 GP) and Tom Wilson (702 GP).
With 560 points (169g, 391a) through 699 career games, Kuznetsov will have the third-most assists and fourth-most points among players to debut with the Capitals at the time of their 700th game.
T.J. Oshie was in a normal practice jersey after not traveling for the eight-day road trip. He was injured against the Edmonton Oilers after taking a high hit from Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
Good morning from Capitals’ optional morning skate, where T.J. Oshie (upper body) has shed his non-contact jersey. Won’t play tonight but he hopes to return for Saturday’s game vs. NYR. pic.twitter.com/Jo2nGIJ2Kd
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) December 7, 2023
Oshie was in a non-contact jersey for Wednesday’s practice. He will not play against the Stars but could return to the lineup as early as Saturday, when the Caps host the New York Rangers.
#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/MJXdf1hC4r
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) December 6, 2023
With Kuznetsov returning, Sonny Milano will be the odd man out for the first time this season. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said that he has been struggling offensively ever since Washington’s 5-0 loss against the Oilers.
Carbery on Milano: “He’s just been struggling offensively & a little bit of confidence. I’ve met with him a couple of times. Had a tough road trip & I think it probably started in the Edmonton game where there were some issues … & it sort of crept back in on the road trip”
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) December 7, 2023
Charlie Lindgren will be in between the pipes. He came in relief for Darcy Kuemper in the 6-0 loss against Arizona and made 19 saves on 22 shots.
Puck drop between the Caps and Stars is slated for 8 p.m. at Capital One Arena.
By Jacob Cheris