The Washington Capitals are still sorting through some lineup choices hours before puck drop in New York against the Islanders.
Head coach Spencer Carbery labeled number-one defenseman John Carlson and a few unnamed players game-time decisions for the 7:30 pm road start. Carlson sat out of the Capitals’ 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
“We’re working through some things, so won’t be able to give you the full extent of who’s in and who’s out,” Carbery said pregame. “Chuckie will start in net, and warmup will determine – we’ve got some guys working through some things.”
Carlson, 35, had played in all 79 of the Capitals’ games until missing out against Columbus. On average, he skates 23:24 ice time per game, playing at all three strengths, which ranks top on the Caps and 22nd in the NHL overall.
In 79 games this year, Carlson has recorded 51 points (5g, 46a). He has put up 50-plus points in consecutive seasons and has had seven 50-point campaigns during his 16-season career.
Carbery also named Charlie Lindgren the team’s starting netminder, putting Lindgren back in net after he allowed four goals on 23 shots against the Blue Jackets. The 31-year-old backstop has struggled mightily in April, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.48 goals-against average and a .861 save percentage.
Clay Stevenson was recalled from the Hershey Bears when the Capitals returned Hunter Shepard to the AHL on Monday. Despite Logan Thompson traveling with the team and skating on Tuesday, Stevenson will likely back up Lindgren on Long Island.
Neither the Capitals nor the Islanders have anything left to play for as the Caps already clinched the Eastern Conference, while the Isles were eliminated from playoff contention last Saturday.
Update (7:09 pm): Carlson and Jakob Chychurn are not playing for maintenance-related reasons.
