ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals blue line is one step closer to being at full strength, as Matt Roy will play for the first time in 10 games as he makes his return from injury against the Nashville Predators.
Head coach Spencer Carbery, Roy, who suffered a lower-body injury in the season opener, is set to play in what will be just his second regular-season game with D.C.
Meanwhile, Jakob Chychrun is not quite ready to return yet but is still making progress. He skated in a non-contract jersey ahead of the team’s morning skate and stayed on for extra work with the group.
Roy is expected to play on the second pairing with Rasmus Sandin. With Chychrun still out, Alex Alexeyev will remain in the lineup alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk, while Dylan McIlrath will draw out as the healthy scratch with Roy healthy.
The forward lines, meanwhile, will look the same, with Sonny Milano staying in on the third line as Carbery wants him to get more opportunity. Milano played against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday but skated just 5:37 minutes in a 4-2 loss. Jakub Vrana will remain out as a healthy scratch.