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Washington Capitals drop projected lineups against Chicago Blackhawks
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Washington Capitals are gearing up for the most highly anticipated matchup of the year as captain Alexander Ovechkin could make history tonight. Currently sitting at 892 career goals, a single hat-trick could etch could cement his legacy. That said, Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks look to play spoiler tonight in what promises to be an epic showdown.
History could be made tonight.
The entire world will be watching tonight as Alexander Ovechkin has the chance to make history by surpassing "The Great One" Wayne Gretzky.
While this game presents many enticing headlines, the projected starting lineups have been revealed, with a few key changes to highlight.
Washington Capitals projected starting lineup against Chicago Blackhawks
Forwards
Aliaksei Protas - Dylan Strome - Ryan Leonard
Alex Ovechkin - Pierre-Luc Dubois - Tom Wilson
Andrew Mangiapane - Lars Eller - Taylor Raddysh
Brandon Duhaime - Nic Dowd - Connor McMichael
Defence
Rasmus Sandin - John Carlson
Jakob Chychrun - Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary - Matt Roy
Goalies
Charlie Lindgren
Hunter Shepard
Aliaksei Protas - Dylan Strome - Ryan Leonard
Alex Ovechkin - Pierre-Luc Dubois - Tom Wilson
Andrew Mangiapane - Lars Eller - Taylor Raddysh
Brandon Duhaime - Nic Dowd - Connor McMichael
Defence
Rasmus Sandin - John Carlson
Jakob Chychrun - Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary - Matt Roy
Goalies
Charlie Lindgren
Hunter Shepard
Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren gets the nod between the pipes tonight.
Backing up Charlie Lindren will be Hunter Shepard, who was recently called up from the Hershey Bears due to Logan Thompson's upper-body injury sustained on Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Capitals have made the lineup change of Trade Deadline acquisition Anthony Beauvilier coming out in favour of Taylor Raddysh returning.
Matt Roy draws back into the lineup after missing the last two games due to "personal reasons".
Top prospect Ryan Leonard will keep his spot on the Capitals first line alongside Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas.
Following Wednesday's 5-1 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes, head coach Spencer Carbery admitted Ryan Leonard was "one of the best players on the ice".
Hopefully, he's able to keep up his strong performance against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Fortunately, forward Connor McMichael is in the lineup following a vicious takedown by Hurricanes' blue-liner Jalen Chatfield. Despite the hit, no suspension has been handed down to Chatfield.
If Alexander Ovechkin scores three goals tonight, the NHL will honour him with a seven-minute ceremony.
Game time is set for 7:00 PM ET.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 4 | 47 ANSWERS Washington Capitals drop projected lineups against Chicago Blackhawks Do you think the Washington Capitals will beat the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 100 % |
| No | 0 | 0 % |
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