Pierre-Luc Dubois finally steps back onto the ice for the Capitals after missing 47 games due to abdominal and adductor surgery, slotting in with Protas and Wilson on a line that coach Spencer Carbery hopes brings instant depth. The 27-year-old center admits he felt rusty in his return against Nashville, but he chips in a goal and assist to help Washington snag a 4-2 win before the Olympic break.

Thompson and Dubois turn on the jets just when the Capitals need them most, handing the Predators a 4-2 gut check right before players scatter for the Olympic break. Whispers from D.C. locker rooms suggest these two have been grinding through chemistry tweaks for weeks, and now it pays off in a game that quiets some early-season trade chatter. With the league pausing for gold-medal dreams, this result gives Washington momentum that could reshape their deadline strategy.

Pierre-Luc Dubois wastes no time silencing the doubters, potting a goal in his first game back with the Capitals against a Predators squad that's been scrapping for every point in the standings. Washington desperately needed this kind of spark from their big offseason acquisition, especially with the trade deadline looming and Ovechkin chasing history.

Pierre-Luc Dubois notches a goal and assist upon return to spark Washington's win over Nashville, proving his value in high-stakes spots. Caps coaches slotted him perfectly to exploit Preds weaknesses, easing trade deadline jitters. This performance bolsters their Metropolitan standing as Olympics loom.

Pierre-Luc Dubois suits up for Washington after a stint on the shelf, injecting size and skill into a Capitals squad eyeing the Olympic pause. The pivot's return timing couldn't be sharper with playoff positioning tightening league-wide. Teammates welcome the boost, but he faces instant pressure to mesh in a high-stakes stretch.