Overview
- Washington activated rookie Ryan Leonard from injured reserve for the Dec. 23 game after a seven-game absence with an upper-body injury.
- To open a roster spot, GM Chris Patrick loaned Ivan Miroshnichenko to AHL Hershey under holiday roster rules that allow waivers-exempt reassignments through Dec. 23.
- Leonard logged two second-period assists and drew a penalty on a breakaway after deking New York defenseman Matthew Robertson.
- The Capitals conceded five third-period goals in a 7-3 loss to the Rangers and enter the break on a 1-4-2 stretch; Tom Wilson was out with illness and Alex Ovechkin remains on a nine-game goal drought.
- Carbery said the team faces 22 games in 41 days after the break and that January will determine a lot about where the Capitals go this season.