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After dropping Game 4 to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Washington Capitals are now on the brink of elimination. Washington will be coming back home for Game 5, looking to stave off elimination.
But entering the game, it seems that the team could be on the verge of making a massive rotational change. Washington is reportedly considering moving left wing Connor McMichael to center.
McMichael is normally on the second line for the Capitals, but he could be moving down to the third line. During practice, the Capitals tested this lineup move out, and they could implement it into the game plan.
When asked about the potential switch, McMichael seemed to be okay with the move.
“Unexpected,” McMichael said of the switch. “I think anytime you're losing games, especially in the playoffs, you kind of expect a few changes, but it wasn't really in the back of my mind.”
Washington Capitals center Connor McMichael (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring an empty net goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period in game two of the first round of the 2025.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
McMichael has experience playing center, beginning his career at the position. Washington has been looking to figure some things out to keep their season alive.
“Really comfortable, I think,” McMichael said of moving back to center. “I played a couple games there this year and there's been shifts where I've been plugged in just with guys in the box or whatever it may be. I played that position my whole life, so I think it's going to be pretty seamless for me. It's something even in practice a few times this year I jumped in line rushes up the middle just to stay fresh.”
Washington will try to keep this series alive in front of the home fans, hoping to send things right back to Carolina for Game 6. The game is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. ET.
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But entering the game, it seems that the team could be on the verge of making a massive rotational change. Washington is reportedly considering moving left wing Connor McMichael to center.
McMichael is normally on the second line for the Capitals, but he could be moving down to the third line. During practice, the Capitals tested this lineup move out, and they could implement it into the game plan.
When asked about the potential switch, McMichael seemed to be okay with the move.
“Unexpected,” McMichael said of the switch. “I think anytime you're losing games, especially in the playoffs, you kind of expect a few changes, but it wasn't really in the back of my mind.”
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Washington Capitals center Connor McMichael (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring an empty net goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period in game two of the first round of the 2025.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
McMichael has experience playing center, beginning his career at the position. Washington has been looking to figure some things out to keep their season alive.
“Really comfortable, I think,” McMichael said of moving back to center. “I played a couple games there this year and there's been shifts where I've been plugged in just with guys in the box or whatever it may be. I played that position my whole life, so I think it's going to be pretty seamless for me. It's something even in practice a few times this year I jumped in line rushes up the middle just to stay fresh.”
Washington will try to keep this series alive in front of the home fans, hoping to send things right back to Carolina for Game 6. The game is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. ET.
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