Capitals shake up lineup as Sonny Milano get's healthy scratched

Reporter Bailey Johnson noted that Frank, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury. Frank is expected to skate on the third line and looks set to draw back in once officially activated. The 27-year-old has impressed in limited action this season with his speed and shooting touch, logging one assists in three games before being injured.

For Carbery, the change isn't about sending a message - it's about managing a roster that's still fighting to find balance. «We've got a lot of moving parts right now,» he said after skate. «Getting Ethen back gives us another element of pace and energy that we've missed.»

Milano, meanwhile, will be the odd man out for the first time in several weeks. The 29-year-old winger has recorded just one goal in his last eight games and has seen his ice time dip recently as the team searches for a spark. Carbery praised Milano's effort but said «a reset» might help both the player and the lineup.

The Capitals enter tonight's game 7-6-1 and still looking to snap out of skid the team has been in. Injuries to Pierre-Luc Dubois have stretched the roster thin, but Frank's return gives Carbery more flexibility, particularly on the power play and in transition.

Here's Bailey Johnson's update from morning skate:

Logan Thompson will make his tenth start of the season, carrying a .938 save percentage despite limited scoring support. With the team desperate for a win, Washington hopes a little lineup shuffle - and a burst of fresh legs - will finally help turn the tide.