Washington Capitals reveal major lineup changes ahead of Game 5
The Washington Capitals are fighting for their season tomorrow when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5. Head coach Spencer Carbery has been clearly outcoached by Rod Brind'Amour throughout the second-round, and he's turning to bold lineup changes in an effort to find the right balance and deliver a response to the Hurricanes' high-powered offence.
It's now do or die for the Washington Capitals.
Now trailing 3-1 in the series, the Caps' face potential elimination tomorrow night at Capital One Arena.
Washington Capitals reveal new lines at practice
According to RMNB, it looks like Spencer Carbery is planning to scratch forward Lars Eller - a move that's hard to argue with, given how ineffective he's been throughout the series.
Connor McMichael is slotted at the 3C position during Wednesday's practice, indicating that Lars Eller could be a healthy scratch for Game 5.
Let's take a look at some of the updated lines at practice:
After getting a look on the top line in Game 4, Aliaskei Protas has been moved down to the second line. He still seems to be dealing with lingering effects from a skate blade injury he suffered in early April against the Chicago Blackhawks, particularly when it comes to his speed.
Forward Anthony Beauviller has been promoted from the fourth line to the first line - he had plenty of great scoring opportunities in Game 4 and will look to capitalize on his chances.
Rookie Ryan Leonard is set to stay in the lineup after spending much of the series watching from the press box. His speed will be a key asset in generating space and creating scoring chances, as he remains on the third line.
Defenceman Alexander Alexeyev remains on the third pairing alongside TVR. He will be looking to tighten up all areas of his game tomorrow night. Head coach Spencer Carbery benched him midway through the second period in Game 4, and he didn't see the ice again for the remainder of the game.
Goaltender Logan Thompson will get the nod between the pipes tomorrow and will be counted on to make timely saves.
The puck drop is set for tomorrow at 7:00 PM ET.
More details to follow.
| POLL | ||
MAI 14 | 66 ANSWERS Washington Capitals reveal major lineup changes ahead of Game 5 Do you think the Washington Capitals will defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 54.5 % |
| No | 30 | 45.5 % |
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