Ovechkin To Play in Capitals’ Second Preseason Game

A handful of top six forwards will suit up for the Washington Capitals in Thursday’s preseason game.

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov will all play against the Detroit Red Wings, per the roster the team unveiled Wednesday. Also of note includes Ivan Miroshnichenko, the team’s first-round pick in 2022, and backup goalie Charlie Lindgren, who will play the entire game, head coach Spencer Carbery said.

Additionally, it will be the team’s first look for replacing defenseman Joel Edmundson, who is out 4-6 weeks after undergoing a procedure on his hand. Alex Alexeyev, Vincent Iorio, Hardy Haman Aktell and Lucas Johansen all appear to be in contention for playing time, and each will play Thursday.

READ MORE: Capitals Have Options On Blue Line After Edmundson Injury

Here’s the full roster for the game:

The roster for tomorrow night's preseason game against Detroit at @CapitalOneArena.#CapsWings | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/SEPXhWRk1Y

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 27, 2023

During Wednesday’s practice, Ovechkin, Backstrom and Miroshnichenko skated together on the top line, per The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir. Connor McMichael was the left wing on the second line, with Kuznetsov at center and Wilson at right wing.

Additionally, each of the defensemen contending for playing time skated together in practice. Haman Aktell and Alexeyev — both left-handers — were one pair, while the left-handed Johansen and the right-handed Iorio were another.

The Capitals play host to the Red Wings on Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.