Pierre-Luc Dubois is set to make his long-awaited return to the Washington Capitals lineup after missing 47 consecutive games due to abdominal and adductor surgery. The center will play against the Nashville Predators on Thursday at Capital One Arena, the team's final game before the Olympic break. Goalie Logan Thompson also returns from injury as the Capitals aim to close the gap in the playoff race.
The Washington Capitals face the Nashville Predators on February 5, 2026, at Capital One Arena in a crucial matchup four points out of a playoff spot. This game marks the end of a grueling schedule for Washington, which has played 59 games, the most in the NHL, including 22 in 41 nights between breaks.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, who has appeared in only six of the Capitals' first 58 games this season, returns after surgery in late October. The 27-year-old center missed 47 straight games but has been skating with the team during their recent road trip. "It's a lot better than knowing I'm going to be watching from upstairs," Dubois said. "It's been a long time, a lot of work. The training staff here did an amazing job; I'm extremely grateful for them, teammates, everybody. It's going to be a fun night."
Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized a measured approach to Dubois' reintegration. "He's missed 47 consecutive games, and that's a lot of games and a long time," Carbery said. "Getting his feet back under him, it's going to take some time." During Dubois' absence, the Capitals went 22-18-7, highlighting his importance as a top-six center who excelled in tough matchups last season.
Logan Thompson also returns in net after missing four games with an upper-body injury sustained on January 27. He is expected to start against Nashville's Justus Annunen, who has a 1-1-0 record against Washington with a 3.66 GAA. Forward Sonny Milano is out for personal reasons, while Charlie Lindgren remains on injured reserve.
The Capitals enter with a 9-10-2 record since the holiday break, focusing on a strong finish before the nearly three-week Olympic pause. Teammate Tom Wilson noted Dubois' return as a significant boost: "He's been a steady centerman for me a lot these last couple of years, and someone that everyone loves to play with."
Projected lines include Ovechkin-Strome-Frank, Protas-Dubois-Wilson, and Beauvillier-Sourdif-Leonard up front, with Fehervary-Carlson and Chychrun-Roy on defense.
