Red Wings at Capitals: Notes, Lines, Goalies, How to Watch

As the Red Wings continue their push for the playoffs, tonight’s game is also about Alex Ovechkin.

The Washington winger is shooting for a nice even number tonight after scoring career goal 887 Tuesday night in San Jose.

It’s a stunning total considering that offenses aren’t nearly as potent, by and large, as they were when Wayne Gretzky was setting the standard a generation ago.

Meanwhile. the Red Wings take on a jet-lagged Washington squad just two points out of a playoff spot, the limbo they’ve been in for a couple of weeks now.

The difference is now there’s one postseason spot available.  Detroit is in a scrum with the Rangers, Canadiens, Blue Jackets, Bruins and Islanders in the East.

The Wings are hoping to ride the momentum gained after Sunday’s win over Vegas, likely with Petr Mrazek back in net.

Meanwhile, Jeff Petry is closer to a return. The veteran defenseman has been out of the lineup since Jan. 2, but was on the ice at practice Monday and will be with the team on the upcoming western road trip that begins Saturday.

“He needs some time,” coach Todd McLellan said. “He’s been out for a while, and he just needs to get back to being able to be productive at this time of year. The game has ramped up since he’s left, so he’s gotta get back to where he was before and maybe more.”

Petry’s absence created an opportunity for Albert Johansson, who has flourished. That means someone else will be the odd defenseman out when Petry returns, possibly Justin Holl.

The Matchup

Who: Red Wings at Capitals

Where: Capital One Arena

When: 7 p.m.

TV/Radio: FanDuel/97.1 FM

Washington Projected Lines

Ovechkin – Strome – Wilson

McMichael – Dubois – Protas

Mangiapane – Eller – Raddysh

Duhaime – Dowd – Beauvillier

Defensive Pairings

Sandin – Carlson

Chychrun – Van Riemsdyk

Fehervary – Roy

Goalies

Thompson/Lindgren

Red Wings Projected Lines

Soderblom – Larkin – Raymond

DeBrincat – Kasper– Kane

Berggren – Compher – Tarasenko

Rasmussen – Motte – Smith/Shine

Defensive Pairings

Chiarot – Seider

Edvinsson –Johansson

Gustafsson – Holl/Lagesson

Goalies

Mrazek – Talbot