REPORT: Caps shake up lines for CRITICAL game 2

Facing the potential of a two game deficit agains the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz has decided to shake up his team’s lineup in an effort to spark some some speed and offense off the rush.

Out of tonight’s lineup will be forward Brett Connolly and in comes veteran forward Paul Carey. Connolly has been underwhelming this postseason, going pointless in 7 games thus far. Tonight will be Carey’s first NHL playoff game since 2014 when he was a member of the Colorado Avalanche. The 28 year-old only played in 6 regular season games with the Caps this season, but Trotz likes his speed and think he’ll match up well against the Penguins fast forwards. It’s expected that he’ll line up on the team’s fourth line alongside Jay Beagle and Daniel Winnik.

While Trotz didn’t address defenseman Kar Alzner’s health during his gameday media availability, it’s believed that Alzner will remain out of the lineup and that Nate Schmidt will continue to play in his place.