There will be a few changes to the Colorado Avalanche's lineup for this evening's contest against the Washington Capitals at Pepsi Center.
Right wing Sven Andrighetto returns to game action after missing the past six contests with a lower-body injury, while defenseman Patrik Nemeth will suit up following his healthy scratch night on Wednesday against the Boston Bruins. Andrighetto will slot into Matt Nieto's former spot on a line with Vladislav Kamenev and Gabriel Bourque. Nieto has a lower-body injury, marking the second time in four games that he's been forced out with the ailment. The Long Beach, California, native missed last Friday's outing at the Winnipeg Jets but was able to play on Sunday at the Edmonton Oilers and Wednesday versus the Bruins. Nemeth will be paired with Mark Barberio on the backend, replacing Nikita Zadorov. Forward Marko Dano will be Colorado's other healthy scratch. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer will make his sixth start of the season and first against his former club. Grubauer began his career with the Capitals and helped them win the Stanley Cup in June. Below is the Avalanche's projected lineup. All forward combinations and defensive pairings are subject to change.