Capitals vs. Rangers Preview: October 18, 2019

by Wesley Hunt · October 18, 2019

The Washington Capitals finish their three-game home stand against the New York Rangers tonight. Division rivals meet for the first time this season when both are at an odd position. The 2-2-0 Rangers are a bit low in the conference, but playing well and looking to make a splash. The Caps are 4-2-2 with ten points, but still trail Carolina and Pittsburgh for the lead. Though anything is possible, especially this early in the season.

Making his return to the Caps tonight is defenseman Michel Kempny. Kempny was injured back in March against the Lightning and missed the playoffs. But the strong defenseman returns when his team needs him most. While Kempny’s return is appreciated, John Carlson has proven the breakout star as of late. Through eight games, Carlson has scored two or more points five times. This feat has only been accomplished twice before. With these high-scoring Capitals, anything is possible.

This game will be indicative of the Metro Conference talent pool. No matter what happens, this game will be fun to watch.

Starting lines for the Capitals:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie

Hagelin-Kuznetsov-Wilson

Vrana-Eller-Hathaway

Leipsic-Dowd-Stephenson

Siegenthaler-Carlson

Orlov-Jensen

Kempny-Gudas

Holtby will be between the pipes tonight.

Starting lines for the Rangers:

Panarin-Zbanejad-Buchnevich