Sammi’s Daily: Inside Capitals Lineup Changes, Provorov Boycotts Pride Night

WASHINGTON — It was a busy night in the Nation's Capital and across the NHL, as the Washington Capitals saw more line combo tweaks and some big decisions made with regard to the lineup against the Minnesota Wild while the rest of the league dealt with a number of headlines.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals

– Head coach Peter Laviolette offered more perspective on why he shook up the lineup again on Tuesday and what went into Anthony Mantha's third scratch in five games. (WHN)

– Those wild changes saw Mantha take a seat, while Lars Eller and Nicolas Aube-Kubel returned with NAK playing on the top line wing while Evgeny Kuznetsov moved down to the fourth line. (WHN)

– Why were there changes? A lot had to do with Nic Dowd, who will be "out for a bit" after suffering a lower-body injury off a Cal Clutterbuck hit against the New York Islanders.

– Martin Fehervary recently returned from injury and went 1-on-1 about what happened to his hand, how he's still gaining strength back and what's gone into his recovery and return.

– Ultimately, though, the changes weren't enough, as three of the same type of goals against in the second period led to a 4-2 loss to the Wild. (WHN)

NHL

– Ivan Provorov chose to boycott the Philadelphia Flyers Pride Night and did not warm up before the game against the Anaheim Ducks because he didn't want to wear the rainbow jersey, citing religious beliefs. (PHN)

– Do Lane Lambert's New York Islanders have enough talent? Here's a closer look at the Capitals' division rivals. (NYIHN)

– Evander Kane made his return to play after his scary skate cut injury over 30 games ago severed his wrist. (ESPN)

– The Vancouver Canucks are going through quite a bit — could the Vegas Golden Knights be part of the solution? (VHN)

Top Shelf Takes

– Dr. Kristopher Wells, the co-founder of Pride Tape, had a great response to the Provorov boycott of Pride Night.

– Washington celebrated Pride Night on Tuesday with rainbow-taped sticks and other festivities throughout Capital One Arena. Tom Wilson, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Darcy Kuemper and more used Pride-taped sticks in warmup, and an auction is still open that includes signed and player-used items from the team. Peter Laviolette also wore a Pride-themed Capitals logo pin on his su

– Laviolette also noted that the decision to scratch Lars Eller on Monday was by no means a reflection of his play. As for Mantha, the decision to bench him: "a coach's decision."

– Aliaksei Protas is up with the club and was recalled with Dowd hurting. He was in the press box at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.