Capitals vs. Kings: Dowd Out, Thompson Starts! | NHL Highlights & Analysis (2025)

Bold truth: Washington Capital losses keep piling up as Nic Dowd sits out an eighth straight game, and a changing of the guard at center continues to shape their lineup. The Capitals are on the road for three consecutive autumn-east-to-west tests, opening with a showdown against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.

Dowd, sidelined for seven games with an upper-body issue, will not suit up against the franchise he’s familiar with. Head coach Spencer Carbery spoke after the morning skate, offering no firm timeline on Dowd’s return beyond noting he’s been skating, a small positive sign amid the uncertainty.

In Dowd’s absence, along with Pierre-Luc Dubois as the team’s usual center, Washington has leaned on Dylan Strome and a trio of younger centers—Connor McMichael, Justin Sourdif, and Hendrix Lapierre—to shoulder the responsibilities. The move has paid off, with the Capitals posting a strong 6-1 record and climbing back into the upper tier of the Metropolitan Division.

Between the pipes, Logan Thompson is slated to start in California, with Charlie Lindgren likely pressed into action against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, as Washington navigates a back-to-back. Thompson delivered a standout performance in his last outing against the New York Islanders, turning away 30 of 31 shots in a 4-1 victory.

This marks Thompson’s first encounter with the Kings this season, while Lindgren faced them in November. Across his career versus Los Angeles, Thompson owns a 5-2-0 record with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage.

The Kings occupy second place in the Pacific Division with a 12-6-7 record. Their latest outing was a 2-1 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, underscoring a competitive and balanced squad that Washington will need to outpace on the road.