One Change in Capitals' Lineup for Home Opener Against Flames

Minus center Michael Latta, the Washington Capitals will dress the same lineup for Thursday's home opener at Verizon Center against the Calgary Flames as they did during Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

"Because it was a winnable game," head coach Adam Oates said of Tuesday's loss. "One game is not a fair evaluation, so give the guys another chance.”

Latta's removal from the lineup and subsequent assignment to AHL Hershey is a result of a waiver claim that the Capitals made Thursday afternoon, claiming defenseman Alexander Urbom from the New Jersey Devils. The 6'4", 215-pound Swede is a left-handed blueliner and former AHL All-Star with the Devils' farm team in Albany, NY. He will be in attendance at Thursday's game, but will not play.

Jay Beagle will likely make his season debut in place of Latta.

Marcus Johansson – Nicklas Backstrom – Alex Ovechkin
Brooks Laich – Mikhail Grabovski – Troy Brouwer
Jason Chimera – Eric Fehr – Joel Ward
Martin Erat – Jay Beagle – Tom Wilson

Karl Alzner – Mike Green
John Erskine – John Carlson
Jack Hillen – Connor Carrick

Braden Holtby
Michal Neuvirth

The Capitals have won 10 of their last 11 home openers, last season's 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets being the lone blemish. Meanwhile. the Flames, playing their first game of the season, have lost three straight season openers by a combined score of 13-4. 


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