The Washington Capitals have one last game on their California road trip before heading home, stopping in Anaheim for a tilt with the Ducks.
They did have to make an emergency signing, though, hours before puck drop. Charlie Lindgren is dealing with an upper-body injury, and since he can’t dress, 35-year-old Parker Milner, who regularly practices with the team and is on this road trip, will suit up as the backup to Logan Thompson.
By day, Milner, who played pro hockey in the AHL and ECHL with the Capitals’ affiliate Hershey Bears and South Carolina Stingrays, is a food editor at the Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina.
Here’s everything else to know before puck drop at 10 p.m. ET at Honda Center.
The Capitals could get Justin Sourdif, who missed last game with a lower-body injury, back in the mix, as he’s a game-time decision. John Carlson remains out with an upper-body ailment, and Lindgren is also on the shelf.
Here are the projected line combinations:
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier
Aliaksei Protas-Justin Sourdif-Tom Wilson
Connor McMichael-Nic Dowd-Ryan Leonard
Brandon Duhaime-Hendrix Lapierre-Ethen Frank
Martin Fehervary-Rasmus Sandin
Jakob Chychrun-Matt Roy
Declan Chisholm-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Logan Thompson
Parker Milner
Washington Capitals Stats & Storylines
Ryan Leonard is coming off a four-point, star-studded performance in San Jose and is on a four-game point streak. He ranks fourth in scoring among NHL rookies this season.
Alex Ovechkin has points in six straight games and is up to 14 goals on the season. Since Nov. 7, he ranks fifth in NHL scoring.
Aliaksei Protas is on a four-game point streak.
Tom Wilson has points in four of his last five games.