Sammi Silber
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Sammi Silber
@sammisilber.bsky.social
Capitals beat reporter for The Hockey News, sports and live events at Peacock TV, proud captain of the D.C. Ghost Pirates, Silbzini, Emmy nominated, grad student at ASU. "I can do all things..."
Nic Dowd heads to the IR, and Bogdan Trineyev is up from Hershey.

What that means for tonight's lineup and more notes here at DC Backcheck:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Capitals Lineup Combinations & Notes vs. Jets; Dowd To IR As Trineyev Recalled From Hershey
The Capitals will see some changes as they continue to play without Nic Dowd.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Charlie Lindgren starts, Dylan McIlrath draws back in, Nic Dowd's a game-time decision and more lineup notes as the Capitals host the Jets.

Today's THN notebook:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Notebook: Lindgren Starts, McIlrath Back In, Dowd A Game-Time Decision vs. Jets
The Capitals will make some changes to the lineup as they host the Jets.
thehockeynews.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
"I took him to Costco for pots and pans. He left with, like, samples and a bag of Doritos."

Ryan Leonard's finally living on his own. It's a learning curve, but he's getting the hang of it — somewhat.

A closer look at the life of the Capitals rookie:
Ryan Leonard's True 'Welcome To The NHL' Moment? Living On His Own For The First Time
Capitals forward Ryan Leonard reflects on moving to live on his own for the first time and mastering the art of adulthood.
thehockeynews.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:15 PM
"It's not normal for him to step into that role or for players to step into that role and have that much success."

The Capitals paid a lot to bring in Justin Sourdif, believing the gamble would pay off. It is, and then some, as he thrives on the top-6:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
The Capitals Bet Big On Justin Sourdif. Their Gamble's Paying Off Big Time
The Capitals took a big gamble on Justin Sourdif, and they're seeing the benefits as he embraces the second-line center role.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The Capitals cruised to a 5-1 win over the Blue Jackets, and Jakob Chychrun helped lead the way.

All the takeaways:

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Takeaways: Chychrun, Capitals Surge Past Jackets
The Washington Capitals wanted a better result after their loss on Saturday. They delivered against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and a lot of thanks goes to Jakob Chychrun.
thehockeynews.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Nic Dowd and others are a TBD as the Capitals lineup could tweak against the Blue Jackets.

More on today's THN notebook: thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Notebook: Dowd, Others TBD As Lineup Could Tweak vs. Blue Jackets
The Capitals will look to bounce back against Columbus after a disappointing loss to the Lightning on Saturday.
thehockeynews.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:47 PM
"It gets to a certain point where, as a coach, I need to make a decision of what makes sense for our hockey team."

The Capitals power play got a major shakeup on Sunday with multiple changes, including John Carlson being taken off the top unit.

More:

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
After 22 Games, Capitals Shake Up Power Play, Move Carlson To On Second Unit
The Capitals made some much-needed tweaks to the power play and hope it's enough to spark change.
thehockeynews.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Nic Dowd's day-to-day and more lineup notes as the Capitals prepare to face the Lightning yet again.

Everything to know in THN's notebook:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Notebook: Dowd Day-To-Day, Lineup Notes vs. Lightning
The Capitals will face the Lightning for the third and final time this season.
thehockeynews.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Dylan Strome couldn't make it back to D.C. in time for the birth of his third daughter, so he took the ice in Montreal and played his heart out for Tayler and the newest member of his family: Sutton.

On the Capitals center and an unforgettable night:
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Unable To Make It Back Home For The Birth Of His Third Daughter, Dylan Strome Plays His Heart Out For Capitals In Montreal
Dylan Strome wasn't able to make it back from Montreal in time for the birth of his third daughter, Sutton. So he played his heart out on the ice.
thehockeynews.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Charlie Lindgren starts and coach Spencer Carbery said the team is working through a couple things line-up wise as they visit the Canadiens.

Projected line combos and what to know before puck drop:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/capitals-v...
Capitals vs. Canadiens: Line Combinations & What To Know
Here's everything to know as the Capitals visit the Canadiens.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:59 PM
As Justin Sourdif continues to embrace his new role at center, the Capitals are liking what they're seeing.

More on the rookie and his growth beyond the scoresheet:

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Impressed As Sourdif Continues To Embrace Role As Center
The Capitals rookie is embracing a key role as a center with Pierre-Luc Dubois out long-term.
thehockeynews.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Ryan Leonard and the Capitals busted out at 5-on-5 and, without two key shutdown centers, bested Connor McDavid and the Oilers, 7-4.

Here are the takeaways:
Takeaways: Leonard, Capitals Bust Out To Best Oilers
Ryan Leonard scored twice, Alex Ovechkin scored his 904th career NHL goal and the Capitals busted out at 5-on-5 for a win over the Oilers.
thehockeynews.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:45 AM
"I would like to have a couple more goals, but it's a long season... it's only a matter of time."

There's no reason to worry about Ryan Leonard, and the Caps prospect himself knows that the points will come. Now, it's just about not getting frustrated.

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Ryan Leonard Knows The Pucks Will Start Going In At Some Point. Now, It's Just About Not Getting Frustrated
The Capitals rookie discusses his play and how he's staying patient and sticking with the process.
thehockeynews.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM
With goals in three of his last four games, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is feeling more like himself.

As Connor McDavid and the Oilers come to town, the NHL's all-time goals leader will look to keep the momentum going.
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Alex Ovechkin Feeling More Like Himself As Capitals Host Oilers
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four overall. Can he keep it going as D.C. hosts the Oilers?
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
"If he's evaluating himself on scoring, I think he's selling himself short."

Aliaksei Protas' breakout last year has been a "blessing and a curse," and Spencer Carbery and the Caps are staying patient as he gets back on track. More on No. 21:

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Taking Patient Appraoch With Protas As He Gets Back On Track: 'If He's Evaluating Himself On Scoring, He's Selling Himself Short'
The Capitals are working with Aliaksei Protas to help him get back to his scoring ways, and aren't putting too much urgency or weight on his shoulders.
thehockeynews.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:51 AM
It was difficult for Spencer Carbery to break up Nic Dowd's line, but it was a move that the Capitals felt they needed to make.

It worked, and now, the Caps are looking to keep that chemistry alive with Connor McDavid and the Oilers coming to town.

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Breaking Up The Dowd Line Wasn't Easy For The Capitals. It Worked, And Now, Carbery's Looking To Keep The Chemistry Going
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery discusses breaking up Nic Dowd's fourth line and shaking things up to generate some more chemistry up front.
thehockeynews.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:14 PM
We’re back up.

“That’s the Chucky we know.”

After a rough go and a string of what Barry Trotz called “junk-mail starts,” Charlie Lindgren returned to form on Monday with a statement win for the Caps.

And for Lindgren and the team, that meant a lot.

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Charlie Lindgren Returns To Form For Capitals After Rough String Of Starts: 'That's The Chucky We Know'
Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren bounced back with a convincing win over the Kings, one that sets him up for success as he adapts to a new role.
thehockeynews.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Here's what to know before the Capitals' tilt against the Kings, including projected lines, stats and storylines to watch.
Capitals vs. Kings: Line Combinations, Stats, Storylines To Watch
Here's what to know as the Capitals take on the Kings.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:05 PM
"He's fighting it a bit, just been a little bit off... he's a really important player for us."

It hasn't been an easy stretch for Aliaksei Protas of late, and the Capitals are looking to him to find his game again as they try and get back on track.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Looking For More Out Of Protas In Midst Of Struggles: 'He's Fighting It A Bit'
The Capitals forward has gone without a point in his last six games as the team struggles to find its spark.
thehockeynews.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
"It's kind of hard to put in words. Our community does so much to support us... it's just a really cool feeling to be able to be out there."

The Capitals held their annual Hockey Fights Cancer skate on Sunday, something they hold close to their hearts.
thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Hold Annual Hockey Fights Cancer Skate: 'They're True Warriors'
The Capitals held their annual Hockey Fights Cancer skate on Sunday.
thehockeynews.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Here are your line combinations, stats, players to watch and everything else to know as the Capitals host the Devils.
Capitals Game Day: Line Combinations, Stats, Who To Watch vs. Devils
The Washington Capitals are back on home ice and looking to put a rough time on the road — and rough time in general — behind them as they host the New Jersey Devils.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:49 PM
John Carlson is a game-time decision with injury, Justin Sourdif stays on the top-6 and more lineup notes in THN's Capitals notebook.

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Capitals Notebook: Carlson A Game-Time Decision With Injury, Lineup Notes vs. Devils
The Capitals return to home ice on Saturday against the Devils, but may be without John Carlson.
thehockeynews.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:41 PM
This is probably the most fun I've ever had writing a story.

Last year, I found myself in the middle of a Capitals' sewer ball game. It was intense, and I had to learn more.

Inside the Caps' warmup, filled with laughs, chirps and a whole lot of Dewey:

thehockeynews.com/nhl/washingt...
Dewey Debates, Headers & Rock, Paper, Scissors: Inside The Capitals' Sewer Ball Circle
The Capitals warm up with a friendly — and at times not so friend — game of soccer. Here's the rules and a look at the Caps' sewer ball circle.
thehockeynews.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:03 PM
A huge positive for the Capitals, as Ivan Miroshnichenko, who's missed all but two games with an upper-body injury to start the season, is back on the ice for Hershey this morning in Syracuse.

A good indication he could be returning to the mix soon:
Ivan Miroshnichenko Back On The Ice For Bears - Community Post
A huge sign for the Washington Capitals and their AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears, as Ivan Miroshnichenko returned to the ice for the team's morning skate in Syracuse.
thehockeynews.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
"The process isn’t going to change just because we’re not scoring goals. That’s not how it works."

What Spencer Carbery really meant with his postgame comments last night, trusting the process and if change is in fact coming for the Capitals:
www.dcbackcheck.com/p/washington...
Will Change Come With Trusting The Process? Breaking Down Carbery's Latest Comments & The Capitals' Plan Going Forward
Here's what the Capitals coach meant by his postgame comments on Thursday about trusting in the process.
www.dcbackcheck.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:54 PM