Capitals vs. Blue Jackets Preview: December 9, 2019

by Wesley Hunt · December 9, 2019

The Washington Capitals head back home, riding high after an unbeaten road trip event. They face the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team looking to make a splash in the playoff race. Though the Caps are road warriors this season, they await the comforts of home.

The return of Nicklas Backstrom is a godsend for the Caps. Missing a few games from an injury, the star center returns to the front line tonight for the first home game back. Carl Hagelin already played against the Sharks a few days ago, but he is also in top form tonight.

The Caps right now are far and away the best team in the league. Their 22-4-5 record with 49 points is nine above the Islanders for the Metro Division and three above the Bruins for the Presidents’ Trophy. The way they keep winning keeps them in first. The Blue Jackets are 11-14-4 with 26 points. They are flagging a little, but can still make a push early on. This game will match division foes for the first time this season. Positions will be made in this first confrontation.

Starting Lines for Washington:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Wilson

Vrana-Kuznetsov-Oshie

Hagelin-Eller-Panik

Lepisic-Dowd-Hathaway

Kempny-Carlson

Orlov-Jensen

Siegenthaler-Gudas

Holtby will start at goalie.

Starting Lines for Columbus:

Nyquist-Texier-Atkinson

Milano-Dubois-Bjorkstrand