Capitals vs Blue Jackets projected lineup preview for October 24, 2025

The Washington Capitals head to Nationwide Arena on October 24, 2025, looking to extend their strong start to the season as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets in what promises to be an intriguing Metropolitan Division matchup. With the Capitals sitting at 5-2-0 and the Blue Jackets at 3-3-0, both teams are dealing with key injuries that have forced lineup adjustments ahead of this Friday night clash. The projected lineups reveal interesting changes on both sides, with Washington missing some key contributors while Columbus welcomes back a veteran defenseman.

This game represents a significant opportunity for both franchises. The Capitals, riding momentum from their impressive early-season performance, will look to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are searching for consistency after an up-and-down start, hoping that home ice and the return of Erik Gudbranson can help them find their footing against a division rival.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets projected lineup: Washington’s forward combinations for October 24, 2025

The Capitals’ forward group features some notable adjustments due to injuries. Alex Ovechkin continues to anchor the top line alongside Dylan Strome and Anthony Beauvillier, forming a combination that has shown considerable chemistry through the first seven games of the season. Ovechkin’s pursuit of NHL history continues to drive headlines, and he’ll be looking to add to his goal tally against a Blue Jackets team that has struggled defensively at times this season.

The second line presents an intriguing look with Aliaksei Protas centering Justin Sourdif and Ryan Leonard. This configuration comes as a direct result of Pierre-Luc Dubois being sidelined with a lower-body injury. Protas has shown flashes of being a capable center, and this opportunity gives him a chance to prove he can handle more significant responsibilities. Leonard, one of Washington’s highly-touted prospects, continues to earn ice time with his energetic two-way play.

Hendrix Lapierre centers the third line between Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson, creating a blend of speed, skill, and physicality. Wilson’s presence on this line adds a veteran element that should help stabilize the younger players around him. McMichael has been one of the Capitals’ most consistent performers early in the season, and his chemistry with Wilson could be a difference-maker against Columbus.

The fourth line features Brandon Duhaime, Nic Dowd, and Ethen Frank, providing Washington with a reliable checking unit. Dowd remains one of the NHL’s most underrated defensive forwards, while Frank continues to make the most of his opportunities at the NHL level. This group’s ability to limit the Blue Jackets’ offensive chances could be crucial in what projects to be a tight-checking affair.

Dylan McIlrath and Sonny Milano are listed as healthy scratches for this contest. The decision to sit Milano suggests the coaching staff is satisfied with the current forward configuration despite the injuries to key players. Milano’s exclusion also highlights the depth Washington has built throughout their lineup.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets projected lineup: Washington’s defensive pairings and goaltending

Martin Fehervary and John Carlson form Washington’s top defensive pair, bringing a combination of mobility and offensive instinct. Carlson remains the quarterback on the power play and continues to log significant minutes despite being in the later stages of his career. Fehervary’s growth into a reliable top-pairing defender has been one of the positive developments for Washington in recent seasons.

Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy compose the second pairing, representing one of the most offensively gifted duos in the Capitals’ lineup. Chychrun’s ability to join the rush and create offense from the back end makes him a constant threat, while Roy provides steady defensive coverage. This pairing will likely draw the assignment of matching up against Columbus’s top line featuring Dmitri Voronkov, Sean Monahan, and Kirill Marchenko.

The third pairing sees Declan Chisholm partnered with Trevor van Riemsdyk. Chisholm draws into the lineup after Rasmus Sandin was ruled out with an upper-body injury. This represents a significant opportunity for Chisholm to prove he belongs in the NHL on a regular basis. Van Riemsdyk’s veteran presence should help ease any nerves the younger Chisholm might experience.

Logan Thompson is expected to get the start in goal for Washington, continuing his early-season success. Thompson has been a revelation since joining the Capitals, providing them with legitimate starting-caliber goaltending. Charlie Lindgren serves as the backup, giving Washington confidence that they have capable netminding regardless of who’s between the pipes.

The absence of Sandin does create some uncertainty on the back end, as Chisholm doesn’t possess the same level of experience or offensive production. However, Washington’s depth on defense has been tested before, and the group has typically responded well to adversity. According to The Hockey Writers, Sundin did not make the trip to Columbus, solidifying Chisholm’s spot in the lineup for this game.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets projected lineup: Columbus’s forward lines and key matchups

The Blue Jackets’ top line of Dmitri Voronkov, Sean Monahan, and Kirill Marchenko represents their most dangerous offensive threat. Voronkov has emerged as a legitimate power forward presence, using his size and skill to create havoc in front of the net. Monahan brings veteran savvy and a proven track record of offensive production, while Marchenko’s shot is among the most dangerous weapons in Columbus’s arsenal.

Boone Jenner, the team captain, centers the second line with Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson flanking him. This line features tremendous upside, particularly with Fantilli continuing his development as a former first-overall selection. Johnson’s creativity and playmaking ability complement Fantilli’s two-way game, while Jenner provides leadership and a physical presence. This trio will be crucial if Columbus hopes to establish offensive zone time against Washington’s structured defensive system.

The third line sees Cole Sillinger between Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier, creating a unit that can contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility. Coyle brings NHL pedigree and playoff experience, having been acquired to add depth down the middle. Sillinger’s continued development remains a priority for the organization, and this line placement allows him to play meaningful minutes without overwhelming pressure.

Zach Aston-Reese, Isac Lundestrom, and Yegor Chinakhov comprise the fourth line, giving Columbus a checking unit with some offensive capability. The absence of Miles Wood due to an eye injury removes some of the speed and forechecking intensity this group typically provides. Chinakhov’s offensive instincts make him an interesting addition to this fourth line, as he’s capable of capitalizing on any opportunities created by the energy players around him.

Jake Christiansen is listed as a healthy scratch, though the defensive lineup underwent significant changes with the return of Erik Gudbranson. The decision to sit Christiansen reflects the coaching staff’s desire to get Gudbranson back into game action after missing four contests with an upper-body injury.

Capitals vs Blue Jackets projected lineup: Blue Jackets’ defensive corps and netminding plan

Zach Werenski and Denton Mateychuk form Columbus’s top defensive pairing, creating an intriguing combination of veteran excellence and youthful potential. Werenski remains one of the elite offensive defensemen in the NHL, capable of taking over games with his skating and shot. Mateychuk, a recent call-up, brings mobility and puck-moving skills that complement Werenski’s aggressive style. This pairing will need to be at its best against Ovechkin and the Capitals’ dangerous top line.

Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson compose the second pairing, bringing considerable NHL experience and reliability. Provorov’s defensive acumen and ability to move the puck efficiently make him a valuable asset, while Severson provides offensive instincts from the blue line. This duo will likely see time against Washington’s second and third lines, tasked with limiting scoring chances while contributing to the transition game.

The third pairing features Dante Fabbro and Erik Gudbranson, with Fabbro moving to the left side to accommodate Gudbranson’s return from injury. This represents a significant change to Columbus’s defensive structure. Gudbranson brings a veteran presence and physical edge that has been missing during his four-game absence. According to the official NHL preview, Fabbro’s shift to his off-side demonstrates the coaching staff’s commitment to getting Gudbranson back into the lineup immediately.

Jet Greaves is expected to start in goal for the Blue Jackets, giving Elvis Merzlikins a night off after he handled the previous games. Greaves represents an interesting storyline as a young goaltender trying to establish himself as a reliable NHL option. His performance against a potent Capitals offense will be closely scrutinized, as Columbus needs consistent goaltending to compete in the tight Metropolitan Division.

The defensive group’s ability to limit Washington’s transition opportunities will be critical. The Capitals excel at creating odd-man rushes and generating chances off the counter-attack, so Columbus’s defensemen must be disciplined with their gaps and pinches. Gudbranson’s physical presence should help deter traffic in front of Greaves, giving the young goaltender a better chance to see shots clearly.

Key storylines and tactical considerations for the October 24 showdown

Special teams could play a decisive role in this matchup. Washington’s power play has been effective through the early portion of the season, with Ovechkin occupying his familiar office on the left circle. The Blue Jackets’ penalty kill will need to be sharp, particularly in terms of taking away Ovechkin’s shooting lanes and disrupting Carlson’s distribution from the point.

The absence of Pierre-Luc Dubois creates an interesting wrinkle for Washington’s center ice depth. Dubois has been a key contributor since joining the Capitals, and his absence forces younger players into expanded roles. How Justin Sourdif and others respond to this challenge could have implications beyond just this single game. Similarly, Columbus’s lack of Miles Wood removes a key element from their forechecking game, potentially allowing Washington’s defensemen more time to make clean breakouts.

Faceoff efficiency will be another battleground worth monitoring. Both teams feature capable centermen, and winning draws in the defensive zone will be crucial for limiting sustained pressure. Monahan’s faceoff prowess gives Columbus an advantage in key situations, while Washington counters with Dowd’s defensive zone excellence. These small margins often determine outcomes in divisional matchups where both teams are familiar with each other’s tendencies.

Goaltending matchup adds another layer of intrigue. Thompson has been excellent for Washington, but Greaves faces significant pressure to deliver a quality start for Columbus. The experience gap between the two netminders could become a factor if the game reaches a critical juncture in the third period. Greaves will need to make key saves at crucial moments to keep Columbus in contention.

Both teams enter this game with something to prove. Washington wants to establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender after years of early postseason exits. Columbus, meanwhile, is trying to build a winning culture around their young core while remaining competitive in a difficult division. The energy at Nationwide Arena should reflect the importance both franchises place on these divisional points.

This Metropolitan Division clash represents exactly the type of game that can set the tone for a season. For Washington, extending their winning ways on the road would send a message that they’re ready to compete with anyone in the Eastern Conference. For Columbus, defending home ice against a quality opponent would provide the foundation for building momentum as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule. With skill, speed, and physicality all on display, this matchup promises to deliver the type of competitive hockey that makes divisional rivalries so compelling.