After losing two straight games out west, the Capitals have a modest two-game winning streak. They’ll look to continue picking up standings points Thursday and Friday against the New York Islanders – a back-to-back home and home.
Capitals head coach Barry Trotz made one subtle change to his forward lines, reuniting TJ Oshie with Nicklas Backstrom and Andre Burakovsky.
Caps lines:
8-92-43
65-19-77
13-20-10
18-83-256-74
9-2
44-28So, Oshie with Backstrom now. Connolly and Vrana with Eller. No change to D.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 14, 2018
The Swedglish trio, which I’ll now refer to as the OBB line, had some late-series success against the Pittsburgh Penguins during last year’s postseason.
Burakovsky went HAM, scoring three goals in two games to force a Game Seven.
Jakub Vrana will skate with Brett Connolly and Lars Eller on the third line.
Trotz also announced that Braden Holtby’s “reset” will officially end on Friday night.
Trotz says Grubauer will start tomorrow in Brooklyn and Holtby will start Friday vs. the #Isles at home. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) March 14, 2018
Madison Bowey, who was demoted Tuesday, may also return to the team at the end of the regular season for playoff depth.
Trotz said Bowey, who was demoted yesterday, could return to the big club after playing a couple of weekends in Hershey. Bowey hadn't seen the ice in nine games; he needs to play. #Caps #AuthenticFan
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) March 14, 2018
