Over the weekend, the Caps lost in overtime to the Dallas Stars after a questionable defensive effort where they allowed two goals in 10 seconds.
To mitigate some of those defensive issues, coach Todd Reirden has juggled the lines, including a big promotion for Dmitrij Jaskin and a demotion for Jakub Vrana.
Caps lines vs. Oilers:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Jaskin
Stephenson-Backstrom-Oshie
Burakovsky-Eller-Connolly
Vrana-Boyd-DSPOrlov-Niskanen
Kempny-Carlson
Djoos-Bowey— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 5, 2018
Jaskin performed admirably against the Stars while he was moved up and down the line up, leading all Caps in five-on-five shot attempt percentage (80.8-percent), scoring chance for percentage (84.6-percent), and high danger chance for differential (plus-four).
The move also gives the duo of Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, who were minus two at even strength, some defensive stability while Tom Wilson sits out the rest of his suspension.
Vrana’s demotion comes after two of his turnovers resulted in goals, including the game-winner in overtime.
Started with a Vrana giveaway behind the goal line. All three Stars goals have come off turnovers.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 4, 2018
The Caps don't lose in overtime on the breakaway, the penalty shot, or that one Stars shot from the slot that went off the post. They lose because of a turnover where Jakub Vrana blows a wheel at the blue line.
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 4, 2018
Vrana joins Devante Smith-Pelly and Travis Boyd on the fourth line. Boyd is returning to the lineup after recovering from a lower-body injury he suffered in preseason play.
Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong
