Preview of capitals vs. Canucks: Line combinations, stats, storylines to watch

WASHINGTON – Now at the halfway mark, the Washington Capitals are eager to get back to the high level they played at earlier this season, and they will aim to do so when they shake up the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

Here’s everything you need to know before the puck drops at 7:30 PM ET at Capital One Arena.

Washington Capitals line combinations

The capitals made some changes in top-6, breaking up the second line to try to turn on Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. Ivan Miroshnichenko also retreats into the mix.

Logan Thompson starts.

Here is what the line combinations look like.

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Aliaksei Protas

Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson

Ivan Miroshnichenko-Lars Eller-Taylor Raddysh

Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Andrew Mangiapane

Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson

Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Martin Fehervary-Matt Roy

Logan Thompson

Charlie Lindgren

Washington Capitals statistics

– Jakob Chychrun has 20 points in his last 20 games and leads the Capitals in scoring over that span.

– Pierre-Luc Dubois has points in four straight and nine of his last 10 games overall.

– Dylan Strome is also on a four-game hitting streak.

– Tom Wilson also has points in four straight games, and three of those outings have been multi-point performances. His 18 goals are tied for second on the team.

Washington Capitals storylines

– Alex Ovechkin has four goals in six games since returning from a broken leg, although Spencer Carbery admits he wants more out of his 5-on-5 line. Look for him to try to add a spark, especially against Vancouver, who he has 16 goals and 27 points in 26 career games against.

– Aliaksei Protas remains dangerous; he has points in three of his last four and continues to be a major threat on both ends. Take care of him.

– Matt Roy plays in his 400th NHL game. Look for him to make an impact on both ends as he continues to be a staple in the backend for DC