Richards moves up to Capitals' 3rd line for series vs. Flyers

With Mike Richards set to face the team he spent the first six years of his career with, Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz has promoted the forward to the team's third line, beside Jason Chimera and Marcus Johansson.

"I'm excited to see him play in the playoffs," Chimera said of Richards, per CSN's Chuck Gormley. "He's one of those guys that gets it done. He always brings out the physicality. Guys like him and (Justin Williams) always seem like the bigger the game the bigger they play. It’s a different dynamic for sure."

Richards has struggled to produce during his short tenure in Washington, recording just five points in 39 games. But Gormley notes that like Chimera, Richards has averaged more points per game during the playoffs (0.70) than in the regular season (0.65) during his career.

"He has the ability to slow things down when everything gets hectic," Trotz said of the two-time Stanley Cup champion. "In the playoffs he's been a player who finds a way to affect the game in a positive way. It's the same with Justin Williams."

He and Williams - his former Los Angeles Kings teammate - both boast incredible 7-0 career records in Game 7's, and the Capitals hope this veteran experience can finally bring them the playoff success that's escaped them in the past.

Game 1 between the Capitals and Flyers is scheduled to begin Thursday at 7:00 p.m. ET.