Photo: @jruether98

The Washington Capitals returned to practice at Kettler Thursday morning, following a much deserved day-off on Wednesday.  The Capitals are set to host Bruce Boudreau and the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night at Verizon Center.  Puck-drop is 5:00 PM.

Weather

[Update: 6:00 PM] The National Hockey League announced today the start time for the Capitals home game on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks has been changed from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. due to the severe snowstorm impacting the Washington, D.C., area and in light of Metro’s service changes

[Update: 5:00PM] Bob Murray (Duck’s GM) said the league might move up game time Friday at Washington so team can get out and to Detroit before snow descends. Murray also noted, if game time is moved up, it would be to 5PM. The Ducks have a game scheduled for Saturday in Detroit.

[Update 4:00 PM] The Washington Capitals are tracking the pending winter storm (#TJSnowshie) and working with the NHL regarding their home games scheduled for this weekend.  Updates will be provided in the event something changes, but for now all games are going to be played as scheduled. Updates will be provided on the Capitals website: Note: Metro has announced that all bus and rail service will be closed for the weekend, making Sunday’s game looking less likely already. Note: There are early reports the NHL is also looking at moving up the start time for Friday night’s game.

Morning Skate
As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, All were present and accounted for at Caps practice (except Jay Beagle and Brooks Orpik). John Carlson practiced with the team again on Thursday. Brook Orpik and Jay Beagle skated prior to practice.

Trotz is in banging the stick mode at practice today #CapitalsTalk pic.twitter.com/tIQk7RYJMx

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 21, 2016

.

From @JillCSN, After passing & shooting one-timers, Niskanen & Ovechkin converse:

After passing & shooting one-timers, Niskanen & Ovechkin converse #CapitalsTalk pic.twitter.com/gIO7qaiG4n

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 21, 2016

.

From @ChuckGormleyCSN, Capitals practicing tight 3-on-3:

Caps playing some tight 3-on-3 hockey at practice. #CapitalsTalk @ pic.twitter.com/u4RobYX21J

— Chuck Gormley (@ChuckGormleyCSN) January 21, 2016

News and Notes

• The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Washington on Thursday.  The Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday afternoon before traveling to Washington for the 12:30 PM game at Verizon Center on Sunday.
• As per Chuck Gormley, Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) on whether he can play Friday: ‘As soon as I can.’ Sunday may be more likely.
• Trotz update on Carlson for tomorrow: “probably more doubtful to play than probable, but we’ll reassess Friday. You never know.”
• As per Julian Coltre, Kuzy mentioned where he’s from in Russia there’s snow half the year. Said it’s amusing how people react to snow in the States.
• As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, Kettler is going to be a happening place tomorrow (Friday). Caps have morning skate at 10:15. Ducks have morning skate there at 10:30. (Separate rinks). [Update: 6:00 PM] Caps have cancelled morning skate for Friday]
• The Capitals currently have the most “Goals For”, and fewest “Goals Against” in the NHL.
• Are you Emma strong? Have you bought your T-shirt yet? Have you purchased your ticket to the upcoming fundraiser at Don Tito’s? Please consider.
• Finally, this week was the 10th anniversary of Alex Ovechkin’s “The Goal”:

Standings

Other Stories
John Carlson ‘doubtful’ to play against Anaheim (WaPo)
Another Snowvechkin? For the Caps, eerie parallels to 2010. (WaPo)
2010 Washington Capitals had best record in hockey; this team is better (WaPo)
Braden Holtby says he drinks 15-17 liters of liquid on game days
Philipp Grubauer shining as Braden Holtby’s backup (WaPo)
With the addition of Mike Richards, where does Michael Latta fit? (WaPo)
Inside the Capitals’ ‘cult of crossword men’ (WaPo)