Capitals make changes ahead of first road trip – Hockey Writer – Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals fell to the Boston Bruins in their season and home opener on Wednesday night, with Tom Wilson scoring the home team’s lone goal. While the Capitals had 36 shots to Boston’s 22, they were unable to convert and find the offense they needed. The team lacked chemistry and even changed the lineup many times in the midfield, but to no avail.

They also went 0-for-5 on the power play and had a disappointing start to the season overall. It was clear that real roster changes were needed, which head coach Spencer Carberry made in practice following the loss. As the team embarks on its first road trip this weekend, success on the ice is key to a strong start.

Capitals practice squad – October 10

Ovechkin – Strome – McMichael
Protas – Du Bois – Wilson
Beauvillier – LaPierre – Leonard
Duhem – Dodd – Suldiv

Fekhvari-Carlsen
Sandin – Roy
Chiklen – van Riemsdyk
Chisholm – Iorio

thompson
Lindgren

Significant lineup changes

The most notable lineup changes are to the top six forwards. Connor McMichael switched wings and moved to the top line along with Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. Against Boston, Ovechkin started on the right wing alongside Strome and Alyakse Protas, with McMichael brought up midway through the game. The second line consists of Protas, Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois, who are no strangers to playing together.

Last season, they played 192 minutes and 22 seconds in five-on-five on the ice, which was extremely efficient. In their shared ice time, the Capitals have attempted 56.2 percent of their field goals, 57.7 percent of their expected goals against, 56.7 percent of their scoring chances, and 53.9 percent of their high-danger chances. The only goal of Wednesday’s game came from this line combination, with Protas assisting Wilson’s goal. Protas joined his teammates in hitting three-pointers on Saturday night.

Dylan McIlrath is also working on joining the lineup soon. The guard did not wear a no-contact jersey during Friday’s practice, but he remains on injured reserve for the time being. McIlrath is a long, physical defenseman whose presence could be an asset to the Capitals. Sonny Milano remains an extra skater, but his quick offense and accurate shooting could also help the team. It will be interesting to see how Carberry arranges his players and tests the lineup to find the keys to early season success.

Carberry and others talk about lack of success and change

Carberry spoke to the media about his line changes on Friday. “I’ll tell you this: These lines are going to move. You guys know me by now,” he said. “I’m looking for hot hands. All of our guys know each other really well, so there’s not a lot – especially in our front six – when guys move around, there’s not going to be a lot of surprises. Like, Tom Wilson now knows Connor McMichael, Protas, Dubois, Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome.”

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These players have been staples in the top six last season, with undeniable chemistry and success. The first game of the season is an adjustment for everyone, especially with all the cheer and excitement that comes with a home opener. Wilson spoke on the Capitals podcast Caps This Morning about the team’s loss and what needs to change.

“I mean, honestly, I think we’re probably the better team,” he said. “But I mean, like any season opener, there’s some good and there’s some bad. So, you know, we’ve been working on it…Obviously, the first game there was a lot of excitement, the puck bouncing and that kind of stuff, and the guys just didn’t quite connect.” He went on to explain that the red carpet, excitement and welcome skates wore down the players and by the middle of the game, their energy wasn’t what it normally is.

Linebacker Jakob Chychrun agreed, saying, “Obviously when you show up and interrupt everybody’s routine a little bit, it’s obviously a lot going on, you know, a lot to do. It’s hectic before the game, but that’s okay. You know, every first game is like the beginning of the year.”

The Capitals travel to New York over the weekend to face the Islanders and Rangers in back-to-back games. During their 4-2 victory over the Islanders, it was clear that the team’s lineup had changed, and taking a break from the excitement of the home opener was a difficult reset for the team. Next up is Sunday’s game against the Rangers.