Overview
- Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena, with local broadcasts on Monumental Sports Network and FDSNOH and radio coverage on 106.7 The Fan and 97.1 FM; Washington has won the first two meetings this season.
- The Capitals lead both the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division, and the Blue Jackets sit last in the Metro despite only a five-point gap between the teams.
- Washington is without Ryan Leonard and Charlie Lindgren on injured reserve and lists John Carlson as a game-time decision, prompting recalls of Bogdan Trineyev and Clay Stevenson from AHL Hershey.
- Logan Thompson is projected to start in goal for Washington, and Columbus is expected to turn to Jet Greaves with Elvis Merzlikins available.
- Columbus arrives following a 7-6 overtime loss to Florida that coach Dean Evason labeled "a joke," highlighting ongoing late-game and defensive concerns.