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Nicolas Aube-Kubel Set To Start, Dmitry Orlov Is A Game-Time Decision, John Carlson Is Out: Notes From Capitals’ Optional Morning Skate

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The Washington Capitals held an optional morning skate at 10:30 this morning at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. They host the Edmonton Oilers tonight at Capital One Arena (Preview here) in the second game of their season-long four-game homestand. Newly acquired Nicolas Aube-Kubel is set to make his first start for the Capitals.

PROJECTED LINES AND PAIRS

Nicolas Aube-Kubel is expected to slot in at left wing on the fourth line in the “Carl Hagelin” spot. Here are the expected/projected lines for tonight’s tilt with the Oilers:

Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Conor Sheary
Sonny Milano — Dylan Strome — Marcus Johansson
Connor McMichael — Lars Eller — Anthony Mantha
Nicolas Aube-Kubel  — Nic Dowd — Garnet Hathaway

Dmitry Orlov — Trevor Van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary — Nick Jensen
Erik Gustafsson — Matt Irwin

Charlie Lindgren
Darcy Kuemper

Charlie Lindgren was the first goaltender off the ice, and is expected to get the start tonight  against the Oilers.

Dmitry Orlov (lower-body) is a game-time decision. John Carlson has been ruled out tonight vs Edmonton, as per Laviolette.

Extras: Joe Snively, Lucas Johansen

Injuries: Carl Hagelin, Tom Wilson, Nicklas Backstrom, Connor Brown, T.J. Oshie, John Carlson, Beck Malenstyn.

NICOLAS AUBE-KUBEL

The Capitals claimed forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel off waivers from Toronto on Saturday. Aube-Kubel, 26, has appeared in six games with Toronto this season. Aube-Kubel recorded a career high 23 points (11g, 12a) in 74 games with the Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22.

Aube-Kubel’s 123 hits in 67 games with Colorado last season ranked second on the team. Aube-Kubel, who was claimed off waivers by Colorado from Philadelphia on Nov. 13, 2021, won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche, appearing in 14 of Colorado’s 16 playoff games and posting a +2 plus/minus rating. [More here.]

ALWAYS SONNY IN THE DMV

Forward Sonny Milano made his Capitals debut on Saturday against Arizona, logging 13:20 of ice time and registering three shots on goal. Per Natural Stat Trick, Milano generated four individual scoring chances at five-on-five, which tied Alex Ovechkin for the most on the team.

In 66 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season, Milano recorded a career high 34 points (14g, 20a) and tied a career high in goals. [More here.]

STAT OF THE DAY – FACING REALITY

Today’s stat presents the Capitals team faceoff winning percentage average for the season. [Click to enlarge]

While still a disappointing 45.4%, the number has been steadily on the rise since the start of the season. The question is, where will it level out?

DOWN ON THE FARM

The Hershey Bears downed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 4-3 on Sunday. Capitals forward prospect Hendrix Lapierrre recoded two primary assists in the victory, increasing his point total to a goal and five assists in the season. [More here and here.]

Capitals and Bears prospect Bear Hughes recorded a hat trick on Sunday for the South Carolina Stingrays. [More here.]

Ivan Miroshnichenko scored his first goal since returning to play this past weekend.

He also recorded a nice assist in the game:

And recorded the shootout winner. Pretty impressive for his second game back.

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.





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