Capitals vs. Sabres Preseason: Game Info, Potential Lines, How To Watch

The Washington Capitals play host to the Buffalo Sabres Sunday, the first of the team’s five preseason games.

Here’s what you need to know:

Game Info

Washington Capitals vs. Buffalo Sabres (preseason)

Puck drop: 2 p.m. EST, Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Radio: Caps Radio 24/7, WJFK-FM (106.7 The Fan), WFED-AM (1500)

Potential Lines

There was some swapping of skaters between the Capitals two top groups for Saturday’s training camp session, and with it came some line adjustments. After practice, head coach Spencer Carbery confirmed that they would be the likely lines for Sunday’s preseason matchup. Those are:

Sonny Milano – Hendrix Lapierre – Anthony Mantha

Matthew Phillips – Dylan Strome – Aliaksei Protas

Jake Karabela – Riley Sutter – Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Alexander Suzdalev – Ryan Hofer – Henrik Rybinski/Bogdan Trineyev

Martin Fehervary – Vincent Iorio

Alex Alexeyev – Trevor van Riemsdyk

Lucas Johansen – Dylan McIlrath

Here’s the full roster for Sunday’s game:

Take a look at who'll be rockin' the red for the first time this season at @CapitalOneArena tomorrow!#CapsSabres | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/AwUhE0WjHs

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 23, 2023

Here’s the Sabres’ full roster:

The Buffalo Sabres have announced the team's roster for tomorrow's game at Washington. pic.twitter.com/WuulrDMl6l

— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) September 23, 2023

Storylines

Speaking to the media Saturday, Anthony Mantha said he felt “explosive” after slimming down during the offseason. He’ll draw plenty of eyes on what appears to be the top line for Sunday’s game.

After signing a three-year extension this offseason, Martin Fehervary is project to lineup next to Vincent Iorio. Iorio, the team’s top defensive prospect, still appears to be a year or two away from the NHL, but Sunday could provide a glimpse into a potential future top pair for the Capitals.

Aliaksei Protas is one of three forwards general manager Brian MacLellan mentioned he would “pencil in” to the Capitals’ opening night roster. Sunday marks his first game action since MacLellan’s comments.

Matthew Phillips, who the Capitals signed this offseason, is on the bubble of making the roster. His production is undeniable, but his small stature is cause for concern. How he is taking to Spencer Carbery’s system will be on display Sunday.