The Washington Capitals returned to ice at Kettler this morning (Thursday) to finalize preparations for their game tonight at Verizon Center.  The Capitals (1-1-0) face the Blackhawks (2-2-0), who will be playing in their second game of a back-to-back set. The Blackhawks lost to the Flyers 3-0 last night in Philadelphia. For a complete preview of tonight’s game, click here:

Capitals schedule

Morning Skate
As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, Jason Chimera (lower-body injury) practiced today. Trotz said he expects him to play tonight.  Practice lines for the morning skate:

Offensive Lines
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Oshie
Johansson-Burakovsky-Williams
Chimera-Beagle-Wilson
Laich-Latta-Galiev

Defnesive Pairs
Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Chorney-Orlov

As per the Washington Post, it looks like Taylor Chorney will get the start tonight in place of Nate Schmidt.  Braden Holtby was the first goalie off the ice this morning and will get the start tonight against the Blackhawks.

(Photo: @bamitsbrittney93)

Chandler Stephenson was called up from Hershey today.  Recalled after Collins cleared waivers at noon today, Chandler Stephenson will man middle of 4th line with Laich, Galiev.

As per Zac Boyer, Nicklas Backstrom rotated in with fourth line during morning skate, but Trotz said yesterday it’s unlikely he’s back. Likely getting work as extra.  Trotz stated there is a chance Backstrom will play Saturday night.

Along with Nicklas Backstrom, Michael Latta and Nate Schmidt were practicing after morning skate. They are the likely scratches tonight.

Standings
Never too early to keep an eye on the standings.  Most notable is the poor start by Columbus Blue Jackets (0-4-0).  The Capitals and the Minnesota Wild are the only two teams that have only played two games to this point in the season.  The Capitals are currently four points behind the first place New York Rangers.

Ticket Trends
At 11:00 a.m. this morning, approximately 844 tickets remained on Stubhub for tonight’s  game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Current prices range from $33 for upper level seats to $464 for VIP glass seats in section 102 (Row A).

Tickets on the Washington Capitals official ticket exchange range from $14 for upper level to $422 for Section 107, Row D.

Latest Stories
After missing practice, Alex Ovechkin looks on as Caps flail against Sharks (WaPo)
Nicklas Backstrom cleared for contact (WaPo)
Emerging Hockey Stats Community Shares Findings at RITHAC (Today’s Slapshot)
Offseason departures leave Capitals short on steady right-handers for faceoffs (WaPo)
Capitals D-man Orlov back in NHL after 18 months (NHL.com)
Caps Bottom Six Offers Versatility, More. (Dump ‘N Chase)
Brian MacLellan planned for free agency, and then delivered (WaPo)
Sean Collins made the Capitals by being like ‘one of those useful pickup trucks’ (WaPo)
Caps Defensemen 2015-2016 (Dump ‘N Chase)
2015-16 NHL Projected Standings: As Blackhawks step back, door opens for challengers
With history of slow starts, Capitals now brace for a long break (WaPo)
This season really won’t be Evgeny Kuznetsov’s first rodeo (WaPo)
Private museum lets Mitch Korn relive every moment of his hockey career (WaPo)

THIS DAILY REPORT IS UPDATED IN REAL-TIME, AS NEWS AND OTHER NOTES EMERGE, UNTIL 5 PM EACH DAY. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.