Washington Capitals News

Chychrun has reportedly had a tremendous training camp with the Coyotes after dropping to the No.16 pick in this summer’s draft. Chychrun has been playing top-pair minutes, averaging 24:19 TOI/GM through his first four preseason games. “Jakob is an elite skater,” Coyotes GM John Chayka. “His lateral mobility has been very good. His gaps have been very good. Physically, he's a man. Unlike a lot of 18 year olds, he isn't physically overmatched [in the NHL]. The next three preseason games will be telling, but there’s a strong chance Chychrun at least starts the year in Arizona instead of Sarnia (OHL).

McIlrath, 24, had two goals and two assists in 34 regular season games and appeared in one playoff game last year. With Dan Boyle moving on from New York, McIlrath will likely have a full-time spot on the Rangers’ blueline this season.

Lindgren replaced Ben Scrivens as the Canadiens backup after finishing his season with St. Cloud State (NCAA). The 22-year-old went 30-9-1 with a 2.13 GAA and .925 SV% in 40 starts with the Huskies. He will make his NHL debut against a Hurricanes team that has gone 4-3-3 while averaging 2.30 goals per game in their last 10.

Milano picked up one assist while averaging 13:23 TOI in his first three career NHL games. The 2014 16th overall pick returns to the AHL where he has 27 points (12G / 15A) in 48 games this season.

Lindgren, 22, just finished up his season with St. Cloud State, where he went 30-9-1 with a 2.13 GAA and .925 SV%. Ben Scrivens will be placed on waivers to clear a roster spot for Lindgren to finish the season with the Canadiens.

Milano, 19, was the Blue Jackets first round pick (16th overall) in 2014. The young winger has registered 12 goals and 15 assists (27 points) in 48 games with Lake Erie this season. He could make his NHL debut in the Blue Jackets’ final six games of the regular season.

Ovechkin missed the All-Star game due to a nagging lower-body injury, so he has to serve a one-game suspension but is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday. With Ovechkin out, look for Stanislav Galiev to be back in the lineup tomorrow.

McIlrath was a healthy scratch in the last three games, but will replace Dan Boyle tonight in the second game of a back-to-back. McIlrath has two goals and one assist in 20 games this season.

McIlrath played well in the two games he was in the lineup, but will come out for Dan Boyle tonight. McIlrath has no points and 24 PIMS in six games this season. It shouldn’t be long until McIlrath gets back into the lineup.

The Rangers like to get Dan Boyle some rest here and there, so McIlrath will get back into the lineup on the second game of the Rangers’ back-to-back.

McIlrath has been a healthy scratch in the last seven games, but he will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Capitals. With McIlrath back in the lineup, Dan Boyle will be a healthy scratch. McIlrath is not known for his offence, but he is one rugged blueliner who can be a great shutdown defender.

Ovechkin was held out of Tuesday's game due to personal reasons but returned to practice on Wednesday and should be back in the lineup on Thursday vs. the Blackhawks. The Capitals struggled without Ovechkin, who had one goal and one assist in the season opener.

Ovechkin did not take part in the Capitals morning skate and was listed as a game-time decision. With Ovechkin out of the lineup, Stanislav Galiev will make his season debut.

Ovechkin did not participate in the Capitals’ morning skate and is listed as a game-time decision. He is reportedly dealing with a personal matter. Monitor his status during pre-game warmups. If he can’t play expect Stanislav Galiev to make his season debut.