Washington Capitals News

The Capitals were atop the Eastern Conference one week ago, but after losing three straight (0-2-1), they find themselves in a Wild Card spot in an ultra-tight standings race. That said, Thompson has been outstanding for Washington this season, posting a 2.09 GAA and .922 SV% in 23 games (13-7-3). Better yet, he has a 1.90 GAA and .940 SV% in his last eight outings (5-1-2). The Capitals enter the action on Thursday as -150 home favorites against a Toronto Maple Leafs team that narrowly defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in a 3-2 come-from-behind win on Tuesday to snap a two-game losing skid.

Sonny Milano will draw back into Washington's lineup on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, resulting in Trineyev being a healthy scratch. The 23-year-old Trineyev made his NHL debut in Washington's most recent game, scoring zero points while playing 11:45 time-on-ice.

Bogdan Trineyev will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, allowing Milano to re-enter the lineup. The 29-year-old Milano has six points (4G / 2A) in 19 games this season.

Lindgren returns to the Capitals' crease for only the second time in three weeks despite a solid performance in his previous outing, saving 23 of 24 shots (.958 SV%) in a 7-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. The 31-year-old Lindgren has been serviceable in a supporting role this season, but has been a distant second to starting netminder Logan Thompson, posting a 2.90 GAA and .893 SV% in 10 games (5-3-1). The Capitals enter Tuesday's contest as +100 road underdogs against a Minnesota team that has outscored its opposition 18-7 during a four-game winning streak.

Lindgren has been sidelined for the last week due to an upper-body injury, but should return to the lineup, at least in a backup role, on the teams upcoming two-game road trip. The 31-year-old Lindgren has a 2.90 GAA and .893 SV% in 10 appearances this season (5-3-1).

McIlrath will take a seat on Thursday in order to make way for the return of John Carlson. McIlrath has appeared in four games this season and is yet to register a point.

The Capitals have skyrocketed to the top of the Eastern Conference, 8-1-1 in their last 10, and will roll with Thompson on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 28-year-old Thompson has been outstanding lately and is coming off an impressive 39-save performance in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets for his second shutout of the season. He has a 1.96 GAA and .925 SV% in 21 games this season (13-6-2). Still, the Capitals enter Thursday's contest as slight +102 home underdogs against a Hurricanes team they defeated 4-1 last month.

Leonard has already missed one game due to an upper-body injury and is expected to be sidelined for nearly a month. The 21-year-old rookie was starting to come into his own before his injury, scoring 10 points (4G / 6A) in his last nine games.

Liljegren is battling a lower-body injury but will be available for Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 26-year-old Liljegren is averaging a career-high 20:08 time-on-ice, recording four assists, 52 blocks, and a -8 plus/minus in 24 games this season.

Liljegren is battling a lower-body injury and his status for Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers in uncertain. The 26-year-old Liljegren is averaging a career-high 20:08 time-on-ice, recording four assists, 52 blocks, and a -8 plus/minus in 24 games this season.

With Charlie Lindgren on Injured Reserve, Stevenson served as Logan Thompson's back up on Sunday, but he has been reassigned to the AHL, with Garin Bjorklund being recalled in a corresponding move. The 26-year-old Stevenson made his NHL debut last season, playing three games with Washington. He has a 2.54 GAA and .913 SV% in 11 games this season (7-4-0) with the Hershey Bears (AHL).

With Charlie Lindgren on Injured Reserve, Bjorklund will be the next man up to serve as Logan Thompson's backup. The 23-year-old Bjorklund has never played an NHL game. He has a 3.01 GAA and .895 SV% in nine games (4-4-1) with the Hershey Bears (AHL) this season.