The Washington Capitals have traveled north to try and get some revenge on the Montreal Canadiens after the Habs disposed of the Caps 5-2 at Capital One Arena over a week and a half ago. After halting their six-game losing streak with a win over the Boston Bruins, the Capitals have lost two in a row again and will need to upset the Bell Centre crowd to get back in the win column.
The Capitals will get some reinforcements in their lineup in the form of Sonny Milano. According to The Washington Post’s Bailey Johnson, head coach Spencer Carbery revealed that the skilled winger will make his return from injury on Saturday night. Milano has been out for over two months with an upper-body injury and Carbery has placed him on the team’s third line for his first game back.
Milano’s jump back into the lineup has forced Nicolas Aube-Kubel to the press box. Here’s a refresher on the lines and pairings from Friday’s practice.
Milano hasn’t played since a December 10 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. In 23 games this season, the 27-year-old forward has eight points (4g, 4a). Carbery spoke about what he hopes Milano can add to the team’s lineup after practice on Friday.
“Speed, skill, ability to help us offensively, make a few plays, whether that’s individually or part of a line,” Carbery said. “He’s had some good stretches this year. He’s missed a lot of time, so can’t expect him to come in and all of a sudden just return to mid-season form. It’s probably going to take a little bit. But, good to have him back in the mix.”
Darcy Kuemper will get the start in goal after Charlie Lindgren took the loss to the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week. Kuemper’s last start came against the Vancouver Canucks and he stopped 26 of 29 shots in the 3-2 overtime loss. He is yet to win a game in February.
Alex Ovechkin will come into the contest riding a six-game goal streak. If he scores against the Canadiens, his seven-game streak will tie the longest of his career which he set during his rookie season in the NHL.
The Great Eight has historically tormented the Montreal crowd when the Capitals travel up to Quebec. In 27 career road games against the Canadiens, Ovechkin has recorded 31 points (16g, 15a).
