Capitals Reconfigure Lines for Crucial Game Against Hurricanes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals will make significant adjustments to their lineup ahead of a pivotal Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night at Capital One Arena. After losing two consecutive games in the playoffs, the Capitals aim to keep their season alive with a fresh approach.

During practice on Wednesday, head coach Spencer Carbery unveiled the reshuffled forward lines. Connor McMichael, who has primarily played as a winger, will transition back to his original center position on the third line, flanked by Andrew Mangiapane and Ryan Leonard. Anthony Beauvillier returns to the first line, joining center Dylan Strome and team captain Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin took a maintenance day on Wednesday but is anticipated to play in Game 5.

“We evaluate every single position of the team and look at ways that we can put the team in the best position possible,” Carbery noted during the practice. “You use a lot of different factors and take it all into account.”

Ovechkin, who recorded one point in the series, scored a power-play goal in Monday’s loss. Strome leads the team with 11 points in the playoffs. Beauvillier has been productive as well, tallying five points in five playoff games.

Meanwhile, McMichael expressed confidence in his ability to return to the center position. “I feel really comfortable. I played a couple of games there this year, and it should be pretty seamless,” he said. “I think I’ll be good.”

The team’s fourth line, consisting of Nic Dowd, Brandon Duhaime, and Taylor Raddysh, has demonstrated strong results in the postseason, contributing significantly to the Caps’ scoring chances.

The Capitals are set to face the Hurricanes, hoping that these changes will turn their fortunes around and keep their playoff hopes alive.