Silbsy's Corner: Day 2 Capitals Camp Notes, Updates & Standouts
Here's what to know from Day 2 of Washington Capitals training camp.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Another day of training camp down for the Washington Capitals, and it was a busy one.
Players found themselves bent over, trying to catch their breaths at the end of Spencer Carbery’s high-intensity practices that featured a little bit of everything, from basic drills to board battles to rushes and even a bit of 5-on-5 play.
Alex Ovechkin was again held out of action for precautionary reasons due to a lower-body injury, though there’s no concern that he won’t be ready for the start of the season. Martin Fehervary and Justin Sourdif remained in non-contact jerseys, and Zac Funk, who did not skate on Thursday, also sported the baby blue as he works his way back from an injury suffered at the end of last season. Trevor van Riemsdyk didn’t skate for personal reasons.
Looking at the lines, they were mostly the same as Thursday’s, though Andrew Cristall got a chance to show what he can do alongside NHLers as he filled in for Alex Ovechkin on the top line with Dylan Strome and Anthony Beauvillier. Vincent Iorio also got a big opportunity to play on a pairing with Jakob Chychrun.
Here were the full NHL combinations:
Andrew Cristall (Alex Ovechkin placeholder)-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier
Aliaksei Protas-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Ryan Leonard
Ivan Miroshnichenko-Connor McMichael-Tom Wilson
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Justin Sourdif
Ethen Frank-Hendrix Lapierre-Sonny Milano
Martin Fehervary-John Carlson
Jakob Chychrun-Vincent Iorio
Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy
Declan Chisholm-Dylan McIlrath
Logan Thompson
Charlie Lindgren
When it comes to standouts from the second day of camp, one player really took matters into his own hands to stand out: 2025 first-round pick Lynden Lakovic.
The 6-foot-5 winger has been showcasing his speed, tenacity and wicked shot, and he’s been among the best performers to kick things off. He looks confident in his ability, and coach Spencer Carbery has been impressed with how he’s gone about his first pro camp.
“He's looked excellent," coach Spencer Carbery said, adding, "He's got deceptive speed... he's got a great presence about him. Usually the first crop of your first pro camp, you're a little tentative, nervous, just kind of getting where you fit in. He's asking questions, looking you in the eye.
"He's got a confidence and also a little bit of swagger, but not in an arrogant way, in a way that he feels like he can fit and play with everybody out here. Particularly impressive for him in his first camp."
Beyond Lakovic, keep an eye on Eriks Mateiko and Ludwig Persson out of Group A. Mateiko, who also stands at 6-foot-5, has been a force to be reckoned with; he’s getting physical, crashing the net hard and never gives up on the play. Persson, meanwhile, has a bit more jump in his step and is faster and stronger, and he’s playing a more matured, rounded game, too.
Miroshnichenko also continues to impress his teammates up front; he’s working wonders with McMichael and Wilson, adding size, physicality and speed to that line. His skating’s come a long way, and he’s hard on pucks and able to get shots off from just about anywhere.
Iorio’s also continuing to come a long way and made the most of his opportunity with Jakob Chychrun in the early morning session. The 6-foot-4 blueliner is waivers-eligible this year and knows what’s on the line, and he’s working to prove to the coaching staff that he’s well on his way to being an NHL defenseman.
In Group B, Hendrix Lapierre continues to try and show what he can do, as do his linemates in Ethen Frank and Sonny Milano, who also want to make the opening night roster. Lapierre’s in a similar spot as Iorio this time around, and after starting last season up in D.C., is eager to return there.
Among the non-NHLers, Sheldon Rempal, who signed a two-way deal this summer, is looking strong for the Capitals and trying to put himself on the radar with his scoring prowess and grit. Henrik Rybinski and Ryan Chesley are also among the stronger skaters, along with Cam Allen.