Following their 5-1 loss against the New York Rangers, the Washington Capitals held their first practice for the first time since the break at UBS Arena ahead of their matchup against the New York Islanders.
There was some line shuffling late in the game against the Rangers to try and ignite a spark under the Capitals’ lackluster offense, but Thursday’s practice showed a major shakeup.
Some changes to the Caps’ lines this morning on Long Island:
Ovechkin-McMichael-Wilson
Protas-Strome-Mantha
Pacioretty-Kuznetsov-Phillips
Malenstyn-Dowd-NAKFehervary-Carlson
Sandin-Bear
Edmundson-JensenAppears that Pacioretty and Bear could make their debuts tomorrow night
— Bailey Johnson (@BaileyAJohnson_) December 28, 2023
Though it is not confirmed, it appears that Max Pacioretty and Ethan Bear will make their Capitals debuts on Long Island. Pacioretty skated on the left side with Evgeny Kuznetsov up the middle and Matthew Phillips on the right side.
“We’ll just take it day by day. I feel good … Just ready for when I get that nod.”
Ethan Bear speaks to the media after being a participant in the Capitals’ practice in New York today.#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/bCb7AMLThh
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2023
T.J. Oshie, who is working his way back from an upper-body injury, was skating with Ivan Miroshnichenko and Hendrix Lapierre as the extra combination. Sonny Milano was also in a non-contact jersey.
Head coach Spencer Carbery provides updates on Max Pacioretty and Ethan Bear following both players taking part in line rushes today.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/1Ki7Bfwbgw
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2023
Washington’s line of Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael and Anthony Mantha was split up, due to McMichael being promoted to the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson. Mantha’s line has been Spencer Carbery’s most consistent line throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Bear was paired with Rasmus Sandin on the right side on the second defensive pairing. Trevor van Riemsdyk appears to be the odd-man out.
The Capitals will take on the Islanders at 7:30 p.m. at UBS Arena.
By Jacob Cheris