Expected Caps lines for Game 4

An optional morning skate at Kettler Iceplex as the Capitals and Bruins prepare for Game 4 at Verizon Center. Washington will be without Nicklas Backstrom, suspended by the NHL for his cross-check of Boston. That causes a ripple effect in the lineup with Mathieu Perreault moving up to second-line center, where he played for much of the time Backstrom was out of the lineup during the regular season with a concussion, and veteran winger Mike Knuble moving in at right wing on the fourth line.

The goalies remain the same with Braden Holtby starting and Dany Sabourin again the back-up in net. Michal Neuvirth came on the ice late at the morning skate and took some shots after a day off on Wednesday. He appears to be inching closer to a return, but will obviously not play tonight. Defenseman John Erskine will play for the first time since Feb. 12. He replaces Jeff Schultz, who has had a rough series. He and Dennis Wideman were on for four of Boston’s six goals through the first three games. The top two pairings remain Karl Alzner and John Carlson and Roman Hamrlik and Mike Green. Here are the expected forward lines based off Wednesday’s practice. Didn’t see any line rushes at the morning skate.