Rangers vs. Capitals: Projected Lineups for December 23, 2025

The New York Rangers are set to face off against the Washington Capitals tonight at Capital One Arena. Here's a look at the projected lineups for both teams, considering recent injuries and illnesses.

New York Rangers

The Rangers (18-16-4) are looking to rebound after losing three of their last five games. A recent upper-body injury to J.T. Miller has forced some adjustments to the forward lines. Adam Fox is still out with an upper body injury, and Adam Edstrom is sidelined with a lower body injury.

Here's the projected lineup:

• Forwards:

  • Artemi Panarin — Mika Zibanejad — Alexis Lafreniere
  • Will Cuylle — Vincent Trocheck — Gabe Perreault
  • Jonny Brodzinski — Noah Laba — Taylor Raddysh
  • Brennan Othmann — Sam Carrick — Matt Rempe

• Defense:

  • Vladislav Gavrikov — Braden Schneider
  • Carson Soucy — Will Borgen
  • Matthew Robertson — Scott Morrow
• Goalies:
  • Igor Shesterkin
  • Jonathan Quick

Brett Berard was recalled from Hartford of the AHL. Rempe and Perreault are expected to be available after missing Sunday’s game against the Predators due to illness. Urho Vaakanainen and Conor Sheary are expected to be scratched.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals (19-12-5) are aiming to capitalize on their recent momentum. Tom Wilson is a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury. Ryan Leonard may also return after recovering from shoulder and facial injuries, however he has been placed on IR.

Here’s the projected lineup:

• Forwards:

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

• Defense:

  • Martin Fehervary — John Carlson
  • Jakob Chychrun — Matt Roy
  • Rasmus Sandin — Trevor van Riemsdyk
• Goalies:
  • Logan Thompson
  • Charlie Lindgren

Dylan McIlrath, Declan Chisholm, and Hendrix Lapierre are expected to be scratched. Logan Thompson is confirmed to start in goal.

Keys to the Game

For the Rangers, maintaining puck possession and discipline will be crucial against a structured Capitals team. The Rangers need pace, detail, and engagement for sixty minutes. For the Capitals, the health and availability of key players like Wilson and Leonard will be significant factors. Washington will need to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain a strong defensive presence.