Remember when I said Friday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets was going to be weird? Well, tonight’s matchup against the Los Angeles Kings is gonna be super bizarro, too.

The Capitals lost another star forward to COVID-19 protocol this morning, TJ Oshie. The Caps’ bottom two lines will feature four players from Hershey. F O U R. If you’re asking yourself, why in the world is this game even being played like, Ian, couldn’t more people get COVID?, just know, that is a rational question to ask and I’m confused too.

Tonight’s game is on NBC Sports Washington. Vitek Vanecek is starting in net. The hometown kid, Joe Snively, is making his NHL debut.

Let’s get you caught up

• TJ Oshie entered protocol this morning
• Zach Fucale is in protocol in Hershey after flying to Winnipeg to be the Caps’ third goaltender on Friday
• There’s only three officials for the game tonight. Officials are having trouble with COVID too.
• Oh no Brett Connolly

Capitals lines

Via @VogsCaps

Joe Snively gets the rookie treatment

Making your NHL debut only 25 miles from where you grew up…

What a moment.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ZxZo2LmfEd

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 19, 2021

Linesman Julien Fournier is not on the ice tonight

Per @PR_NHL, Linesman Julien Fournier will be unavailable for tonight’s Los Angeles/Washington game. The game will be officiated by two Referees and one Linesman.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 20, 2021

Connor McMichael scores. Joe Snively’s first NHL point. Congrats, kid!

Mikey lights the lamp! pic.twitter.com/thDnjEEAAE

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2021

Sgarbossa is now in protocol

Michael Sgarbossa enters COVID-19 protocol minutes before game time against Kings

The Capitals blew a four-minute power-play but Justin Schultz scored this garbage goal right after it expird.

Notice the blocked shot went right to him in open space where he had a wide open shot at the net. Very fortunate.

Schultzy to the roof! pic.twitter.com/keKVRZGYJl

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2021

Kings make it 2-1 after a terrible TO by the Caps on another bad PP.

Alex Iafallo grinds and buys some time before feeding Blake Lizotte who rips home Iafallo's feed for a SHORTY!#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/gHD7YiAEV5

— Hockey Daily 365 (@HockeyDaily365) December 20, 2021

Christian Wolanin ties it up 2-2

There it is, @Cwolanin20! First goal as an LA King!

We have a tie game. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/t5wcrEvFKl

— LA Kings (@LAKings) December 20, 2021

Adrian Kempe gets a gift from the Bad Ice Gods. 3-2 Kings.

COMEBACK COMPLETE! 🚨

Adrian Kempe gets the friendly bounce to give the @LAKings their first lead of the game! 👏 pic.twitter.com/k9xHtZQQod

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 20, 2021

The bad Capital One Arena ice is being credited with that Kings goal

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 20, 2021

Capitals lose 3-2.

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch#CapsKings pic.twitter.com/F0ImAvXbvw

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2021

Refresh this thread throughout the game. Comment below!