Capitals vs. Bruins Preview: Line combinations, stats, storylines to watch

After a convincing home win 24 hours earlier, the Washington Capitals are back on the road for one last game before the Christmas break, this time against the Boston Bruins.

Here’s everything you need to know before puck drop at TD Garden at 7 p.m.

Washington Capitals line combinations

With the disease spreading around the area, Monday’s lineup could well change, especially as the team deals with some fatigue following a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.

Alex Ovechkin remains out of the mix but is on the mend and is expected to return after the holiday break. The same applies to Lars Eller, who is out due to illness.

Charlie Lindgren will start for the Capitals.

Here are the projected lines:

Andrew Mangiapane-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson

Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Aliaksei Protas

Jakub Vrana-Hendrix Lapierre-Taylor Raddysh

Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Ivan Miroshnichenko

Rasmus Sandin-John Carlson

Jakob Chychrun-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Martin Fehervary-Matt Roy

Logan Thompson

Charlie Lindgren

Washington Capitals stats

– Pierre-Luc Dubois has scored in seven of his last eight games and is the team’s leading scorer in December.

Related: For Pierre-Luc Dubois, finding a home with the Capitals was nice, and beating his former Kings was even sweeter

– Aliaksei Protas has scored goals in consecutive games, as has Jakub Vrana.

Related: With size and intelligence, Protas slips into star role for Capitals: “He will be a very special talent in this league in the coming years”

Washington Capitals storylines

– Henrik Rybinski, who was called up before the break, could well make his NHL debut while Washington handles lineup issues, so keep an eye on him.

– Charlie Lindgren is coming off an impressive game, earning his save of the year on Friday. So look out for him to make an impression. He also enjoys playing in Beantown.

– Look out for Connor McMichael, who has points in consecutive games and leads the team in goals.

– Don’t forget Dylan Strome, who is desperate to get back on the scoresheet.