Matt Roy Returns to Capitals Lineup Just in Time to Face the Kings

Matt Roy is officially back in the Washington Capitals lineup after a six-game vacation on injured reserve, and the timing is almost too perfect. According to Daily Faceoff, the veteran defenseman will make his return to the ice on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings.

Returning from a lower-body injury against your former team is the exact kind of script the NHL loves to write. Missing six games is that weird sweet spot where you are definitely well-rested but might still be a half-step behind the speed of a live forecheck.

"Daily Faceoff reported: 'Capitals’ Matt Roy to return against Kings after missing six games'"

Washington desperately needs his stabilizing presence on the blue line. The Capitals are sitting at 5-3-0 and holding down third place in the Metropolitan Division, but surviving without a top-four defenseman is like trying to drive on the highway with a donut tire. You can do it for a little while, but eventually, things are going to get wobbly.

They managed to pull off a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, but getting Roy back changes the math for their defensive rotation. He eats heavy minutes and kills penalties, which is exactly what you want when facing a Western Conference opponent.

The Kings are limping into Capital One Arena after getting completely shut down in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Los Angeles has looked disjointed on offense, which makes this a fascinating spot for anyone eyeing the game totals.

Adding a fresh, motivated Roy to a Washington defense facing a struggling Kings attack is the kind of variable that makes betting the under look awfully tempting. Just remember that first games back from injury can also feature some hilarious defensive zone turnovers.

The puck drops late Tuesday night. We will find out very quickly if Roy is ready to shut down his old friends or if the Kings are going to welcome him back with a heavy hit in the corner.