Capitals Nip Hawks in OT, Face Sabres Tonight At Verizon

After the Caps minor leaguers and players returning from injury beat the regular Chicago Black Hawks Saturday night, the home crowd will get to see the pre-season debut of Washington's top line tonight.

According to Capitals Insider, Alex Ovechkin will team with Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble on the No. 1 line tonight as the Caps host the Buffalo Sabres, a team they beat last week in both squad's preseason openers.

Missing from the lineup for the third straight game will be center Michael Nylander, the subject of trade rumors since last season's All-Star break. Nylander is in the last year of an inflated contract, and neither he nor the team is happy carrying him on the bench, as he was most of the playoffs last season.

Eric Fehr and Tomas Fleischman both will watch as well, still recovering from injuries.

Jose Theodore will start in goal, his first preseason game action. "We'll see how Theo plays tonight," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He's practiced really well. I'm hoping he has a great game."

In the win over the Hawks, Chris Clark and Kyle Wilson both had a goal and an assist, and Mathieu Perrault scored at 4:48 of overtime to send the Caps home with a 2-0-0 preseason record.

Washington out shot Chicago's regulars 30-26.

Michael Neuvirth went the distance in goal, registering 24 saves.

THREE DAY SCHEDULE (courtesy capitals.nhl.com)

Monday, Sept. 21

10 a.m.: Morning skate

11:15 a.m.: Practice (non-game players)

7 p.m.: vs. Buffalo, Verizon Center

Radio: Caps Radio 1500 and 820 AM, WashingtonCaps.com

Tuesday, Sept. 22

10:30 a.m.: Practice, Kettler Capitals Iceplex

Wednesday, Sept. 23

10 a.m.: Morning skate

11:15 a.m.: Practice (non-game players)

7 p.m.: vs. Chicago, Verizon Center

Radio: WashingtonCaps.com