The Washington Capitals held an optional morning skate ahead of their matchup against the New York Islanders.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery confirmed that Ethan Bear and Max Pacioretty will not play against New York despite taking line rushes on Thursday. Bear was officially signed to a two-year, $4.125 million contract following Thursday’s practice.
T.J. Oshie was in a regular practice jersey for the third straight time. He is currently dealing with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Sonny Milano was skating in a non-contact jersey. Neither of them will play.
“Each of the teams we see provide unique challenges and will test us.”
Head coach Spencer Carbery speaks to the media ahead of the season series conclusion with the Islanders tonight.#CapsIsles pic.twitter.com/PtYgwCzE8o
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 29, 2023
Outside of Pacioretty and Bear participating on a line, more changes are coming. Connor McMichael will center the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome will center the line with Aliaksei Protas and Anthony Mantha. Meanwhile, Matthew Phillips will slide back into the lineup replacing Ivan Miroshnichenko.
Spencer Carbery confirms that Charlie Lindgren will start. Only one lineup change, Matthew Phillips in for Ivan Miroshnichenko. Ethan Bear and Max Pacioretty will NOT play tonight https://t.co/m1zVv03y3F
— Bailey Johnson (@BaileyAJohnson_) December 29, 2023
Charlie Lindgren will start after Darcy Kuemper allowed five goals on 31 shots against the New York Rangers. Kuemper is slated to start on Saturday against the Nashville Predators.
Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. at UBS Arena.
By Jacob Cheris