Capitals vs Red Wings Projected Lineups: Anticipating the Rosters for the December 21, 2025 Matchup
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The Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings are set to face off at Little Caesar Arena today at 1 p.m. EST. Here's a look at the projected lineups and what to expect from both teams.

Capitals' Projected Lineup

The Capitals (19-12-4) are looking to bounce back after losing to the Red Wings 5-2 on Saturday. Their projected lineup is as follows:

  • Forwards: Alex Ovechkin — Dylan Strome — Anthony Beauvillier Aliaksei Protas — Justin Sourdif — Tom Wilson Connor McMichael — Sonny Milano — Ethen Frank Brandon Duhaime — Nic Dowd — Ivan Miroshnichenko

  • Defense: Rasmus Sandin — John Carlson Jakob Chychrun — Matt Roy Martin Fehervary — Declan Chisholm

  • Goalies: Charlie Lindgren, Logan Thompson

The scratches for the Capitals are Dylan McIlrath, Hendrix Lapierre, and Trevor van Riemsdyk. Ryan Leonard (shoulder, face) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (lower body) are injured. Miroshnichenko was recently recalled from the Hershey Bears of the AHL.

Red Wings' Projected Lineup

The Red Wings (20-13-3) are aiming to continue their winning ways after their recent victory over the Capitals. They have won three of their last four games and are currently leading the Atlantic Division. Their projected lineup is:

  • Forwards: Emmitt Finnie — Dylan Larkin — Lucas Raymond John Leonard — Andrew Copp — Alex DeBrincat Elmer Soderblom — Marco Kasper — Nate Danielson Michael Rasmussen — J.T. Compher — James van Riemsdyk

  • Defense: Simon Edvinsson — Moritz Seider Ben Chiarot — Axel Sandin-Pellikka Jacob Bernard-Docker — Albert Johansson

  • Goalies: Cam Talbot, John Gibson

Travis Hamonic is expected to be scratched. Mason Appleton (lower body) and Patrick Kane (upper body) are currently injured.

Keys to the Game

The Red Wings dominated early in their previous game against the Capitals, outshooting them 17-6 in the opening frame. Detroit will look to maintain that momentum, while the Capitals will need to start stronger and capitalize on their scoring opportunities. In the last game, John Leonard and James van Riemsdyk, whose siblings are affiliated with the Capitals, both scored for Detroit.

Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings with 18 goals and 16 assists. Tom Wilson leads the Capitals with 17 goals and 17 assists.

John Gibson is expected to start in goal for the Red Wings, while Charlie Lindgren is likely to start for the Capitals.

The Capitals are 8-6-2 in road games this season. The Red Wings are 10-7-1 at home.


Written By
Rahul Menon is a thoughtful journalist who explores the evolving landscape of sports with depth and integrity. He writes with a focus on context, impact, and narrative strength. Whether reporting on emerging talent or broader industry trends, Rahul’s work reflects curiosity and clarity. He sees sports journalism as a bridge between fact, fairness, and emotion.
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