Washington Capitals Daily Report (01/12/16)

Photo: @capitalspress

The Washington Capitals returned to practice at Kettler this morning, following a day off on Sunday and Monday. The Capitals will next host the Vancouver Canucks Thursday night at Verizon Center. Puck-drop is 7:00 PM.

Morning Skate
As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, Michael Latta and Andre Burakovsky participated in morning practice. Both were dinged up prior to (Latta) or during (Burakovsky) the game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. John Carlson and Jay Beagle skated alone at Kettler about an hour before practice.

Tom Wilson left the ice just before practice began with a lower body injury (precautionary). Stanislav Galiev replaced Wilson on third line. Newly acquired Mike Richards practiced at the 4th line Center position. If Tom Wilson is OK and Mike Richards is available, Caps have 2 extra forwards (Sill, Galiev).

Having the last two days off, Trotz worked the team fairly vigorously today:

Losing team skates, winning team chills #CapitalsTalk pic.twitter.com/KdfnVc3iEU

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 12, 2016

Hockey version of Oklahoma drill, but 2 v 2- one of my favorites to watch! pic.twitter.com/25YKv8mDap

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 12, 2016

News and Notes

Latta, Wilson and Burakovsky are all expected to be good to go for Thursday’s game against the Canucks.
The Capitals announced that they have re-assigned Paul Carey to Hershey.
Stat: The Capitals road record of 16-4-2 is better than any team’s home record.
As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, Trotz said no update on John Carlson. Doesn’t have a timetable for when he’ll skate with the team again. “When he’s ready, we’ll put him in. He hasn’t practiced with us, so he’s a ways away here.”
As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, Trotz said Mike Richards won’t play Thursday. Wants to get him in the lineup before all-star break though.
Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts, will go on sale beginning Sunday, Jan. 24. More information here:
Cap Red Line interview with Alex Ovechkin (Part 2). Mike Vogel sits one-on-one with the Great 8.

Other Stories
Mike Richards progressing in practice, but won’t play Thursday (WaPo)
Alex Ovechkin, with each milestone, keeps focus on his destination (WaPo)
Despite injuries, Andre Burakovsky, Tom Wilson and Michael Latta all expected to play Thursday (WaPo)
Alex Ovechkin has Powerball fever (WaPo)