McIlrath has not played in over three weeks and has been limited to only four games this season, but he will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. The 33-year-old defenseman is averaging 11:12 time-on-ice this season.
Lindgren has only played once in the past two weeks, but will return to the crease on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. The 32-year-old Lindgren has had an inconsistent season as Washington's backup goalie, posting a 3.07 GAA and .888 SV% in 12 games (5-4-2). The Capitals enter the action on Wednesday as -138 home favorites against a Rangers team that has scored two or fewer goals in nine of their last 12 games (4-5-3).
After losing three straight (0-2-1), the Capitals responded with a 4-3 overtime win over the New Jersey Devils, fueled by a 35- save performance (.921 SV%) from Thompson. The 28-year-old Thompson returns to the crease on Monday, looking to build on a 2.27 GAA and .917 SV% through 27 games (15-9-3). The Capitals enter the action as +117 road underdogs against a Panthers team that defeated them 6-3 in their previous meeting.
Thompson surrendered six goals on 20 shots in the Capitals' 7-3 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday. It was a rare rough outing for Thompson, who has surprisingly allowed 15 goals in his last four games--3.80 GAA and .872 SV% during that stretch. Tonight he'll face the Devils for the second time this season--Thompson stopped 29 of 31 shots in 3-2 shootout loss in mid-November.
Sandin missed the Capitals' final game before the Christmas break due to an upper-body injury, but he's expected to play Saturday in New Jersey. Sandin has been relatively quiet offensively this season, scoring just two goals with eight assists (10 points) in 31 games.
Wilson missed Tuesday's game with an illness but is expected to draw back into the Capitals' lineup on Saturday vs. the Devils. Expect Wilson to draw back into the lineup on the second line and top power-play unit. He'll look to build off his strong first half of the season, having scored 17 goals with 17 assists (34 points) in 36 games.
Thompson surrendered six goals on 20 shots in the Capitals' 7-3 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday. It was a rare rough outing for Thompson, who has surprisingly allowed 15 goals in his last four games--3.80 GAA and .872 SV% during that stretch. Tonight he'll face the Devils for the second time this season--Thompson stopped 29 of 31 shots in 3-2 shootout loss in mid-November.
Milano will slot in for Tom Wilson, who is out with an undisclosed injury. Milano will start the game on Washington's fourth line.
Chisholm will slot in for Rasmus Sandin, who was a surprise scratch with an upper-body injury. Chisholm will skate with Trevor van Riemsdyk on Washington's third pair.
Sandin was a surprise scratch on Tuesday, with the Capitals not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Declan Chisholm will slot into the lineup in his place.
Wilson is battling an undisclosed ailment and will miss his first game of the season. The 31-year-old Wilson is having an outstanding season, pacing for career bests in nearly all offensive categories, tallying 34 points (17G / 17A), 97 hits, and 84 shots in 36 games.
With Ryan Leonard (upper body) returning from an injury, the Capitals have sent Miroshnichenko down to Hershey (AHL). Miroshnichenko was drafted 20th overall by the Capitals in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent most of the 2025-26 season in the AHL so far, scoring nine points (4G/5A) in 12 games.
Leonard has been sidelined for nearly three weeks, but is ready to return to the lineup after being activated from Injured Reserve. The 21-year-old rookie was starting to come into his own before his injury, scoring 10 points (4G / 6A) in his last nine games. Ivan Miroshnichenko has been assigned to Hershey (AHL) in a corresponding move.
Wilson is battling an undisclosed ailment and could be at risk of missing his first game. The 31-year-old Wilson is having an outstanding season, pacing for career bests in nearly all offensive categories, tallying 34 points (17G / 17A), 97 hits, and 84 shots in 36 games.
The Capitals have lost six of their last 10 (4-3-3) and hope to enter the Holiday Break on a high note, with Thompson tending the twine against the New York Rangers. The 28-year-old Thompson has been stellar this season, posting a 2.09 GAA and .924 SV% in 25 games (14-8-3). He has two shutouts in his last five games (2-2-1). The Capitals enter Tuesday's contest as -163 home favorites against a Rangers team that is tied for the league lead with 13 road wins.
