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.
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.
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.
Clarke will be the odd-man out on Monday when the Devils play their final game of the regular season. Clarke played just three games with the Devils this season and did not register a point.
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.
The Capitals snapped a six-game losing streak with a monumental 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday to keep them in the playoff race. Lindgren was tremendous on Tuesday, saving 42 of 43 shots (.977 SV%), losing his shutout bid on a Patrick Kane goal with one second remaining in regulation. The Capitals enter action on Thursday as +117 road underdogs against the Buffalo Sabres.
Tomas Nosek will not play on Thursday due to an undisclosed injury, allowing Clarke to re-enter the lineup. The 22-year-old Clarke recently made his NHL debut but has spent most of the season in the AHL, scoring 47 points (23G / 24A) in 64 games with the Utica Comets.
