GL guys
I would go easy on the caps
I think they are going to have a slow start. D has looked suspect in each game thus far and our top line isn't scoring or generating enough oppurtunites.
#90 was playig like shit and Oates noticed.
Coach Adam Oates was coy Wednesday when asked if he intended to alter his line combinations for Thursday?s game against the Montreal Canadiens, but from the looks of the morning skate there will certainly be some changes.
Wojtek Wolski has been promoted to the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. After lining up at right wing for the first two games of the season, Ovechkin appeared to take line rushes on the left side this morning. I?ll have an update from Oates and the players on the top unit after the skate wraps up.
Meanwhile, Marcus Johansson has been demoted to the fourth line. It?s not a surprising move given that the Swedish center has been ineffective on the top line and was benched for all but 50 seconds of the third period of the 4-2 loss to Winnipeg Tuesday.
Matt Hendricks, who was the Capitals best player on the ice against the Jets earlier this week, has shifted to second line left wing alongside Mike Ribeiro and Troy Brouwer.
Michal Neuvirth gets the start in goal and here?s what the combinations looked like in rushes. Be sure to check back after the skate for updates:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Wolski
Hendricks-Ribeiro-Brouwer
Chimera-Beagle-Ward
Johansson-Perreault-Crabb
Defense:
Alzner-Carlson
Poti-Green
Hamrlik-Kundratek
Goal: Neuvirth, Holtby