Capitals look to end losing streak as St. Louis Blues announce their lineup

Washington enters the matchup riding a four-game losing streak (0-3-1), their longest since spring 2024. The struggles have come on both ends of the ice: the Capitals have scored just six goals over that span while surrendering 15. Head coach Spencer Carbery called the recent stretch «frustrating but fixable,» stressing the need for cleaner breakouts and better puck management in the defensive zone.

The good news is Rasmus Sandin returns to the lineup after missing five games with an upper-body injury, giving the blue line some much-needed stability. Goaltender Logan Thompson will get the start in net, hoping to halt the skid and reclaim the form that carried him through October's solid start.

Meanwhile, Tom Gulitti reported that the Blues' projected lineup features top-line chemistry between Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and rookie Jimmy Snuggerud - a group that's driven much of St. Louis's offense this season. Jordan Binnington will start in goal for the visitors.

For the Capitals, scoring remains the major concern. Alex Ovechkin has just two goals through 12 games, and the team's power play ranks near the bottom of the league at 12 percent. With Pierre-Luc Dubois out long term and Ethen Frank still sidelined, the lineup has leaned heavily on Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome to generate offense down the middle.

Here's Gulitti's post with St. Louis's lines from this morning:

The Blues arrive having won three of their last four, while the Capitals desperately need to stop the bleeding before the season starts to slip away. Home ice and a healthier lineup might be enough to tilt momentum - but only if Washington can rediscover its scoring touch.