Silbsy's Corner: Everything To Know, Line Combinations, Power Play & Quotes Ahead Of Capitals Opening Night

Here's what to know as the Capitals prepare to open their season on Wednesday.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Hockey is officially back, as the Washington Capitals are set to start the season on Wednesday at home against the Boston Bruins.

Washington announced its 23-man roster on Monday, and on Tuesday, held one last full practice before what captain Alex Ovechkin calls “the real deal.” Lines are set, Matt Roy and Declan Chisholm are cleared after injury scares and D.C. is ready to run it back.

That being said, here’s everything to know ahead of the opener.

Washington Capitals Line Combinations & Power Play

Washington’s lines will look similar to how they were for the preseason finale, with a couple of tweaks.

Up front, Alex Ovechkin is on the right wing, skating with Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas. Hendrix Lapierre has officially won the third-line center role, with Connor McMichael sticking on the second-line wing. Justin Sourdif will also get to show the organization what he can do and start on the fourth line right wing with Brandon Duhaime and Nic Dowd. Sonny Milano is the extra forward.

On defense, the pairings are the same as last season, with Martin Fehervary back and healthy after undergoing meniscus surgery. Declan Chisholm and Vincent Iorio are the extra defensemen, with Dylan McIlrath on injured reserve. McIlrath skated on his own in a non-contact jersey ahead of practice.

In goal, Logan Thompson will begin the year as the No. 1, with Charlie Lindgren backing up. Thompson, per coach Spencer Carbery, has earned the chance to have the starting job for now, though the team will continue to leverage both of its netminders with LT taking on more of the workload.

Here are the combinations:

Aliaksei Protas-Dylan Strome-Alex Ovechkin

Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson

Anthony Beauvillier-Hendrix Lapierre-Ryan Leonard

Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Justin Sourdif

Martin Fehervary-John Carlson

Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy

Logan Thompson

Charlie Lindgren

Then, there’s the power play, which is getting somewhat of a new look.

Ovechkin will still try to be open in his office, but over the course of the preseason and practices, has been moved around and has also been up front and backdoor.

On the second unit, Ryan Leonard will get power play time, along with Protas. Jakob Chychrun will run the point.

Here are the power play units:

PP1: Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Dylan Strome

PP2: Jakob Chychrun, Rasmus Sandin (Ovechkin placeholder, but can get some PP time, too), Ryan Leonard, Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael

Notable Quotes

Alex Ovechkin on the start of the season: “It’s exciting. You work very hard all summer tog et ready for this moment and yeah, of course it’s gonna be exciting night for us because we for me personally I can’t wait until it starts.”

Ovechkin on his future beyond this season: “I don’t know I just take day by day you have to have fun you have to enjoy yourself and try to do the best that you can.”

Spencer Carbery on what he told his players after practice: “I told these guys... these guys work their entire lives to play in the National Hockey League… I brought the guys together, and think it’s important they should acknowledge and take a moment today that you are playing in the best league in the world and have an opportunity to play in the National Hockey League on opening day. Don’t take that lightly... don’t take that for granted for a second.”

Justin Sourdif on what he’s looking forward to: “I think just playing hard for my teammates. It’s always an honor to wear the Capitals jersey, especially growing up as a Capitals fan as a kid, it’s pretty surreal to be able to wear that sweater and start their opening night. I’m just really, really, really excited, and I’ll be ready.”