Welcome to the latest edition of **Lining Up**, where we spotlight the hottest teams and players in the NHL! This week, we're setting our sights on the Washington Capitals, who have surprised many fans with their electrifying start to the 2023 season.

Washington is currently tied for third in their division, boasting an eye-popping Goals For per Game average of 4.18 and a remarkable record of eight wins out of 11 games played. While their schedule has been mixed—facing both tough challengers and weaker opponents—it’s clear that their offensive firepower is no fluke. In just the last four games, the Capitals have netted a staggering 20 goals, making it crucial to analyze their top performers as they gear up for three more matchups this week.

Star Players Heating Up

**Dylan Strome – Alex Ovechkin – Aliaksei Protas**

In Washington, it feels like they have two equally potent top lines. Of course, Alex Ovechkin is front and center, making headlines with his drive for history as he racked up nine points in just four games, bringing his season tally to 14 points in 11 games. With an average of nearly six shots and hits combined per game, Ovechkin is turning back the clock. However, there are some caution signs; his shooting percentage is currently at an unsustainable 19.4%, indicating possible regression down the road.

Dylan Strome is riding a hot streak alongside Ovechkin, with eight points in his last four games. His shooting percentage of 21.1% and the advantageous 5-on-5 shooting percentage are boosting his scoring. While it’s unlikely he maintains a whopping 127-point pace throughout the season, Strome could provide great value for fantasy rosters, especially with 58% ownership in Yahoo leagues. His role is fluctuating as he was recently moved down to the second power play unit, though he practiced with the top unit again, making his status one to watch.

Aliaksei Protas, the third member of the first line, has also contributed significantly with seven points in four games. However, he hasn’t seen any power play time, which raises concerns about sustainability given his high shooting percentages.

Power Play Struggles

Interestingly, despite their offensive burst at even strength, Washington has struggled on the power play, currently ranking as the third-worst team with a woeful conversion rate of just 10.8%. If they can turn things around, it might mitigate some of the scoring regression anticipated in even strength production as the season progresses.

**Tom Wilson – Pierre-Luc Dubois – Connor McMichael**

Shifting to the second line, Connor McMichael has stepped in for Strome on the power play, a role he is making the most of with substantial ice time and a recent notable performance of four goals in four games. This younger player is proving he can handle the pressure, particularly after an incredible 10-shot game against the New York Rangers.

Tom Wilson continues to be a reliable performer with nine points in 11 games and boasts an increasing share of power play time. His current trajectory could lead to a potential boost in points if Washington corrects its power play woes. Meanwhile, Pierre-Luc Dubois has cooled off significantly, with just one point in his last five games, leading to speculation of his role being reassessed, which could affect the dynamic of the second line.

Fantasy Insights and Moves to Make

For those looking to bolster their fantasy teams, Strome is the priority pick-up this week. Should he be unavailable, McMichael offers a strong alternative, provided he remains in his current power play spot. For deeper leagues, Protas may be worth a look, especially with a lighter schedule upcoming.

Bonus Notes

In other news, players like Wyatt Johnston and Pius Suter are seeing shifts in their line pairings, likely affecting their production. Johnston has reunified with Jason Robertson, potentially reigniting his performance, while Suter is now skating with Elias Pettersson after a two-goal outing against San Jose. Keep these names on your radar as the season progresses.

Get ready for an exhilarating week ahead in the NHL as stars align in Washington and beyond!