Washington Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Washington Capitals, NHL or NHLPA

WASHINGTON HOCKEY INSIDER


Veteran Defenseman healthy scratched tonight and surprising name is in


PUBLICATION
Mike Stanton
November 20, 2025  (6:53 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY
FOLLOW US

Nov 3, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath (52) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Big change announced for tonight's matchup between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens: veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk is out of the line-up, and fellow blueliner Dylan McIlrath gets the nod.

According to the posted lines the pair of Rasmus Sandin and McIlrath will form the third defensive tandem. The lines also show the forwards as Beauvillier-Strome-Ovechkin, Protas-Sourdif-Wilson, Duhaime-McMichael-Leonard and Milano-Lapierre-Frank.
Van Riemsdyk has been a steady bottom-pairing option for Washington this season, contributing a goal, an assist and a plus-/minus in the plus side across his appearances.
His absence tonight paints a subtle but meaningful shift in personnel for the Caps. Meanwhile, McIlrath signed a two-year contract extension earlier this year and though his minutes have been limited he's a depth option ready when called upon.

McIlrath enters third pairing with Capitals

From a tactical standpoint this move suggests coach Spencer Carbery is seeking more physicality or matchup flexibility on the third pairing. McIlrath, with a stronger physical edge and blocking ability, may be deployed in high-traffic situations or penalty-kill shifts. From a fan's perspective, it's intriguing to see how he handles the transition-he's been around the organization and this is a genuine opportunity.
For the forwards the line combinations posted broadcast a clear intent to try mixing energy and experience. That suggests Washington wants to ramp up puck retrievals, quick zone entries and maybe light cycle work from the bottom six. McIlrath's insertion offers a fresh variation on the back end and could pay dividends if he stabilizes the third pair.
Expect a tighter outing from Washington's d-zone tonight and watch how the McIlrath pairing handles the Canadiens' quick forecheck. It might not be the flashiest shift of the day, but it could be the quiet one that matters.
POLL
NOVEMBRE 20   |   29 ANSWERS
Veteran Defenseman healthy scratched tonight and surprising name is in

Will Dylan McIlrath hold his own on the third pairing tonight?

Yes - solid showing2586.2 %
No - too much adjustment413.8 %
List of polls

WASHINGTON HOCKEY INSIDER
COPYRIGHT @2025 • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE  ·  PRIVACY POLICY  ·  COOKIE POLICY
RSS FEED  ·  SITEMAP  ·  ROBOTS.TXT