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Update on Pierre-Luc Dubois' injury status - New lines for tonights game


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Mike Stanton
October 24, 2025  (12:31)
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Apr 27, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals left wing Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

New night, new look. The Washington Capitals keep adjusting as Pierre-Luc Dubois remains out, and tonight's lineup shows another creative shuffle from head coach Spencer Carbery.

Dubois, still recovering from an upper-body injury, skated in a regular jersey earlier this week but hasn't yet cleared for game action. His absence keeps Connor McMichael at center on the second line, a role he's handled with quiet confidence and growing poise.
McMichael will skate between Hendrix Lapierre and Tom Wilson, a mix of speed, grit, and youth. That trio earned extended offensive-zone time last game, something Carbery hopes to build on.
The top line stays intact with Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, and Anthony Beauvillier, a unit that's slowly finding rhythm. Beauvillier's forecheck has opened space for Ovechkin to get his one-timer off more often, even if the goals haven't flooded in yet.

Connor McMichael anchors second line again tonight

Lower in the lineup, Justin Sourdif centers Aliaksei Protas and Ryan Leonard, giving Washington a third line full of size and pace. The fourth features Brandon Duhaime, Nic Dowd, and Alex Frank, a group built for defensive reliability and energy.
On defense, Martin Fehervary pairs with John Carlson, while Jakob Chychrun skates with Matt Roy. Kyle Chisholm slots in beside Trevor van Riemsdyk as Rasmus Sandin sits with his own upper-body injury. Goaltender Hunter Thompson draws the start, with Charlie Lindgren expected to back up.
Here's the full lineup from Sammi Silber's post:
Fans have been patient with Dubois' recovery, but his absence is still felt. His puck protection and net-front strength could make a difference in tight games like this one. The good news: he's «getting closer,» according to the team.
If Washington can grind out points with this patchwork forward group, it'll only make Dubois' return that much more meaningful when he finally re-enters the lineup.
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OCTOBRE 24   |   2 ANSWERS
Update on Pierre-Luc Dubois' injury status - New lines for tonights game

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