After a thrilling win over the Islanders, the Capitals held an optional skate Friday morning, before hitting the road to Boston for a battle with the Bruins on Saturday.
NEWS
Matt Niskanen has been skating before practice over the last week, as he recovers from his thumb injury. While he hasn’t participated in an official practice just yet, this morning he was finally skating with a stick.
It is unclear whether or not he will return on Tuesday Nov. 7 in Buffalo, the earliest day he is eligible to be activated from long-term injured reserve.
He’s skating with a stick this morning so that’s progress. https://t.co/EKTLA2FUxC
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) November 3, 2017
Trotz told the media after the skate that it looks unlikely that he’ll practice with the team next week.
Matt Niskanen (upper body) skated this morning with a stick but no puck. Trotz didn’t think he’ll ready to practice with team next week.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) November 3, 2017
CAPS 365
Caps 365 | After being waived earlier this season, is Chandler Stephenson becoming an impact player? #ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/BSTfxoeRGt
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 3, 2017
Note: The Capitals moved up their morning skate to 11 am on Saturday at TD Garden (originally scheduled for 11:30 am)
SHAVINGS
- Lars Eller has been on a tear of late with three goals in his last three games.
- Alex Chiasson scored his first goal as a Capital and registered three blocked shots in 13:13 of ice time against the Islanders Thursday night. As a member of the Calgary Flames last season, Chiasson ranked fifth among Flames forwards in even strength goals (11).
- Washington is 3-0-1 this season when they score the game’s first goal.
CAPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
More about @WishMidAtlantic Dariush’s time with the team yesterday plus check him out riding the ice resurfacer! #CapsFightCancer #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/AE5j1hQeap
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 3, 2017
#CapsFightCancer skate after Caps practice! @WishMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Sth01qGfcL
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 3, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
