Lineup update for the Capitals

Spencer Carbery going back to Thompson feels like a small reset for a club sitting at 19-11-4. Detroit arrives at 19-13-3, and these points matter even in December.

Thompson's game is calm, he seals posts and does not chase. Detroit's rush leans on Dylan Larkin speed, so clean first saves and quick puck movement will matter.

The other wrinkle is Ivan Miroshnichenko drawing in right away after his recall from Hershey. The 21-year-old winger was a 2022 first-rounder, 20th overall, and the shot is still his calling card.

Washington also gets a look at whether Miroshnichenko can play a bottom-six role without cheating for offense. When he is direct on the forecheck, he wins pucks and funnels plays toward the slot.

Ryan Leonard remains out with a shoulder issue and facial damage, and Carbery still calls it day to day.

The 20-year-old has 18 points, seven goals and 11 assists, in 29 games after going eighth overall in 2023.

Against Detroit, the plan should be simple, win the neutral-zone race and keep pucks out of the middle. Miroshnichenko on a heavy fourth line can help on forechecks and quick exits when shifts get messy.

Miroshnichenko's recall is also a reminder of how quickly he has moved since that 2022 draft night. He is 6-foot-1, a right shot, and Washington keeps waiting for that one-timer to pop at NHL pace.

If Leonard is close, Washington still needs minutes from its middle six without leaning on him. Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome have to drive entries cleanly, so Alex Ovechkin can live in the left circle.

The bigger story is roster flexibility through the holiday freeze, and that is why the recall matters. Swapping Miroshnichenko for Bogdan Trineyev keeps a spot open if Leonard is activated soon.

For now, it is Thompson in net and Miroshnichenko on the wing, and Saturday is another chance to bank points before the schedule bites.