COLUMBUS — With injuries taking their toll on the Washington Capitals and the team coming off a loss, Coach Barry Trotz made several changes to the lineup before Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, most notably moving Marcus Johansson to third-line center.
With Jay Beagle not expected to resume “full hockey activities” for six weeks after hand surgery on Saturday morning, the Capitals have an opening at third-line center. Trotz tried Zach Sill — and Michael Latta for a few stretches — but Trotz will try Johansson there against Columbus.
Sill and Latta will both be on the fourth line, presumably rotating at center depending on the faceoff situation, as Latta is a right-handed draw and Sill is a left-handed draw.