With the Capitals missing a key pair of their defensemen, Dylan McIlrath will make his second career playoff appearance as he draws into Washington's lineup on Sunday. The 32-year-old bruising veteran only appeared in three games for Washington during the regular season and had an assist, one SOG and five PIMs.
With Nick Jensen still unable to recover from his upper-body injury, Vincent Iorio will make his playoff debut on Sunday vs. New York. The 21-year-old rookie defenseman appeared in six games for the Capitals this season and failed to pick up a point while collecting six SOG and a +1 plus/minus.
Sandin has been out since April 7th due to an upper-body injury but is expected to return on Sunday for Game 1 vs. New York. The 24-year-old appeared in a career-high 68 games with Washington in 2023-24, and had three goals, 23 points, 79 SOG, 24 PIMs and a -13 plus/minus.
Raddysh will not play in Chicago's regular season finale, bringing a slightly premature end to his season. He finishes the year with five goals and nine assists in 73 games.
Sandin did not play the final five games of the season for the Capitals but could be ready on Sunday for game one of the Stanely Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old Sandin tallied 23 points (3G / 20A) and 107 blocks in 68 games this season.
Lindgren will start yet again on Tuesday for game 82 vs. Philadelphia after securing a massive victory on Monday with a 16-save shutout over Boston. The 30-year-old veteran started the season as Washington's backup but has been crucial in their push for the playoffs with his strong 24-6-7 record, 2.71 GAA, .910 SV% and league-leading six shutouts this season. He heads to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers on Tuesday, who are also fighting for the NHL's final playoff spot and have won their last two games after dropping eight straight before that.
The Golden Knights will turn to Thompson in their second-last game of the season on Tuesday night. Thompson has allowed three or more goals in three of the last four but was solid in his last outing, saving 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights enter Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks as -403 home favourites.
McIllrath played one game for the Capitals earlier this season but has spent most of the 2023-24 campaign with the Hershey Bears (AHL). The 31-year-old defenseman has nine points (3G / 6A) in 58 games with Hershey.
The Capitals will continue their battle for a playoff spot on Monday night and turn to Lindgren to tend the twine against the Boston Bruins. Lindgren has been solid lately for the Capitals, allowing three or fewer goals in five straight (2-2-1), including saving 32 of 34 shots (.941 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Capitals enter action as +139 road underdogs.
The Golden Knights have lost three straight, being outscored 16-8, and will turn to Thompson between the pipes on Friday against the Minnesota Wild. Thompson has allowed three or more goals in three straight (1-2-0), including four on 30 shots (.867 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The Golden Knights enter action as -176 home favourites.
The Golden Knights have lost three straight, being outscored 16-8, and will turn to Thompson between the pipes on Friday against the Minnesota Wild. Thompson has allowed three or more goals in three straight (1-2-0), including four on 30 shots (.867 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The Golden Knights enter action as -176 home favourites.
Sandin played only 7:09 of ice time before exiting last Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators with an upper-body injury. The 24-year-old Sandin has struggled lately, with zero points in his last seven contests.
Eller is battling an illness and his status was up in the air for Thursday's matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Eller has 29 points (15G / 14A) in 78 games this season. The Penguins recalled Radim Zohorna on Wednesday as a precaution.
