Washington Capitals News

Last week, Backstrom announced he would "step away from the game" indefinitely as he takes time to focus on his health. In 2022, Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery that forced him to miss the majority of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old Sweedish center iceman has played 1105 career games, all with the Washington Capitals, registering 1033 points (271G / 762A), but has only scored 22 points (7G / 15A) in 47 games since his surgery, a 0.47 point-per-game pace, down significantly from the 0.96 pace he had prior.

Van Riemsdyk played only 1:34 time-on-ice before exiting the Capitals' Saturday night matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Van Riemsdyk will be re-evaluated and will not be a participant at practice on Monday. Through 10 games, Van Riemsdyk is averaging 17:35 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A).

Mangiapane will miss Tuesday's game vs. the Predators but is eligible to return Friday in Toronto. With Mangiapane out, look for Dryden Hunt or Adam Ruzicka (if he's healthy) to draw into the lineup on Tuesday.

Lindgren will play for just the second time this season after allowing four goals on 35 shots in the Capitals season-opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Capitals are coming off a 3-0 shutout loss at the hands of the New York Islanders on Thursday but have been playing much better of late, winning their three games prior. Lindgren and the Capitals will be facing a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has lost four of their last five (1-2-2) but is coming off an impressive 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Thompson will look to continue his undefeated season (4-0-0) as he appears to be the starter for the Golden Knights on Thursday night. Adin Hill has had the slight favour in net, starting 60% of the teams' 10 games thus far but Thompson continues to be a reliable option when called upon and should continue to see a near-split workload the rest of the way. In his most recent contest, Thompson saved 36 of 39 shots in a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Thompson and the Golden Knights are -130 home favourites against the Winnipeg Jet, who are 4-3-2 on the season.

Thompson will look to continue his undefeated season (4-0-0) as he appears to be the starter for the Golden Knights on Thursday night. Adin Hill has had the slight favour in net, starting 60% of the teams' 10 games thus far but Thompson continues to be a reliable option when called upon and should continue to see a near-split workload the rest of the way. In his most recent contest, Thompson saved 36 of 39 shots in a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Thompson and the Golden Knights are -130 home favourites against the Winnipeg Jet, who are 4-3-2 on the season.

Backstrom has announced he will "step away from the game" indefinitely as he takes time to focus on his health. In 2022, Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery that forced him to miss the majority of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old Sweedish center iceman has played 1105 career games, all with the Washington Capitals, registering 1033 points (271G / 762A), but has only scored 22 points (7G / 15A) in 47 games since his surgery, a 0.47 point-per-game pace, down significantly from the 0.96 pace he had prior.

Lindgren was unable to dress for the Capitals' last six games because of an upper-body injury but is expected to return to backup duties on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. In his only game this season, the Capitals season-opener, Lindgren allowed four goals on 35 shots in an eventual 4-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Shepard recently made his NHL debut with the Capitals, saving 18 of 22 shots in a 6-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. With Charlie Lindgren set to return from an upper-body injury, Shepard is being returned to the Bears (AHL), where he had a 2.88 GAA and .885 SV% in two games this season (2-0-0).

Sandin was a game-time decision for Friday's game against the Wild after exiting the Washington's Wednesday night matchup against the New Jersey Devils in the third period with an undisclosed injury. The Swedish defenseman has been held without a point in his first six games and has a -4 rating.

Sandin will be a game-time decision after exiting the Capitals' Wednesday night matchup against the New Jersey Devils in the third period with an undisclosed injury. The Swedish defenseman has been held without a point in his first six games and has a -4 plus/minus rating.

Vrana has had a decent start to the season, registering three points (1G / 2A) while averaging 12:13 time-on-ice through five games but will be a healthy scratch for the Blues on Thursday. The Blues are opting to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen on Thursday as they welcome Scott Perunovich into the lineup.

Thompson will get his third start this season as the Vegas Golden Knights look to continue their season-opening six-game winning streak. In two games (2-0-0), Thompson has posted a 2.00 GAA and .935 SV% behind a Golden Knights defence that currently ranks fourth-best in the league (1.83 GA/GP). The Golden Knights are -198 home favourites against a Philadelphia Flyers team that has outscored opponents 16-13 early this season (3-1-1).

Thompson will likely get his third start this season as the Vegas Golden Knights look to continue their season-opening six-game winning streak. In two games (2-0-0), Thompson has posted a 2.00 GAA and .935 SV% behind a Golden Knights defence that currently ranks fourth-best in the league (1.83 GA/GP). The Golden Knights are -198 home favourites against a Philadelphia Flyers team that has outscored opponents 16-13 early this season (3-1-1).

Shepard is a 27-year-old career AHLer, who has gone 2-0-0 while allowing six goals on 52 shots (.885 SV%) in his first two starts with Hershey this season. Shepard impressed in a 33-game stint with the Bears last season, posting a .916 SV% and a 2.18 GAA to go along with a 20-8-5 record. He draws a difficult matchup in his NHL debut with the Capitals being +205 road underdogs in New Jersey.