Capitals vs. Sharks: Projected Lineups and Key Notes Ahead of Tonight’s Clash
It’s a West Coast showdown tonight as the Washington Capitals (16-9-2) head into SAP Center to take on the San Jose Sharks (13-11-3). Puck drops at 10 p.m. ET, and both teams are rolling out lineups that reflect a mix of experience, youth, and a few key absences.
Let’s break down what we’re expecting from both sides heading into this matchup.
Capitals Projected Lineup
Forwards
- Anthony Beauvillier - Dylan Strome - Alex Ovechkin
- Aliaksei Protas - Justin Sourdif - Tom Wilson
- Brandon Duhaime - Connor McMichael - Ryan Leonard
- Sonny Milano - Hendrix Lapierre - Ethen Frank
Defense
- Martin Fehervary - John Carlson
- Jakob Chychrun - Matt Roy
- Rasmus Sandin - Trevor van Riemsdyk
Goaltenders
- Charlie Lindgren (expected starter)
- Logan Thompson
Scratches: Declan Chisholm, Dylan McIlrath, Bogdan Trineyev
Injuries: Nic Dowd (upper body), Pierre-Luc Dubois (lower body)
Status Check:
The Caps didn’t hold a morning skate after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over the Kings, and that makes sense.
It’s a back-to-back on the road, and they’ll want to conserve energy. With Logan Thompson getting the nod in L.A. and making 24 saves, expect Charlie Lindgren to step into the crease tonight.
Jakob Chychrun continues to draw attention with his strong two-way play-he’s been making a serious case for international recognition. And with Dubois and Dowd still sidelined, Washington’s depth is being tested, especially down the middle.
Sharks Projected Lineup
Forwards
- Tyler Toffoli - Macklin Celebrini - Will Smith
- William Eklund - Alexander Wennberg - Adam Gaudette
- Philipp Kurashev - Ty Dellandrea - Collin Graf
- Pavol Regenda - Barclay Goodrow - Ryan Reaves
Defense
- Dmitry Orlov - Timothy Liljegren
- Mario Ferraro - John Klingberg
- Sam Dickinson - Vincent Iorio
Goaltenders
- Yaroslav Askarov (expected starter)
- Alex Nedeljkovic
Scratches: Shakir Mukhamadullin, Nick Leddy, Zack Ostapchuk
Status Check:
San Jose held an optional skate this morning, and there’s good news on the injury front. Alexander Wennberg, who’s been nursing an upper-body issue, was on the ice and is expected to play tonight, according to head coach Ryan Warsofsky.
Meanwhile, center Michael Misa-out since November 1 with a lower-body injury-has been placed on long-term injured reserve and is headed to the AHL for a conditioning stint. Forward Skinner (out since Nov. 13) skated on Tuesday but won’t suit up yet. Defenseman Vincent Desharnais remains week to week.
What to Watch For
This game has some intriguing matchups. The top line for Washington-Beauvillier, Strome, and Ovechkin-will look to build on recent momentum. Ovechkin may not be scoring at the blistering pace we’ve seen in years past, but he’s still drawing defensive attention and opening up space for his linemates.
On the Sharks’ side, the youth movement continues to shine. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have brought energy and creativity to the top line, and Tyler Toffoli’s veteran presence gives them a stabilizing force. If they can generate zone time and test Lindgren early, San Jose could tilt the ice in their favor.
The blue lines also offer a compelling contrast. Washington’s defensive corps, anchored by Carlson and the surging Chychrun, has been quietly effective. San Jose, meanwhile, is leaning on Orlov and Liljegren to eat minutes and guide a group that’s still finding its rhythm.
And then there’s the goaltending. Lindgren has been solid when called upon, and Askarov-if he gets the start-brings a high-upside, athletic style that can frustrate opposing shooters when he’s locked in.
Final Thoughts
Both teams are navigating injuries and lineup shuffles, but each comes in with something to prove. The Capitals are trying to stay hot on this road swing, while the Sharks are looking to build consistency and turn SAP Center into a tougher place to play.
It’s a late one on the East Coast, but for fans of fast-paced, evolving hockey, this matchup has all the ingredients. Young stars, veteran leadership, and two teams trying to carve out their identity as the season heats up.