Photo: @washcaps

The Capitals returned to practice this morning (Tuesday) at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.  The Caps will play their final game before the All-Star break Wednesday night at Verizon Center, when they play host the Philadelphia Flyers. Puck drop is 8:00 PM (Wednesday Night Rivalry game/NBCSN).

Morning Skate
Brooks Orpik and Jay Beagle skated before practice this morning. John Carlson participated in team practice this morning. According to WaPo, Trotz said John Carlson has gone from doubtful (against Anaheim on Friday) to possible against Philly tomorrow.

Mike Richards stated after today’s practice that he would not be going to the AHL during the All-Star break.

Capitals practice this morning, final few days before the All Star break pic.twitter.com/qeJcXYHEkP

— Jason Pugh (@JPughNBC4) January 26, 2016

News and Notes

• The Capitals, Penguins, Ducks and the NHL continue to work on rescheduling the postponed games from this past weekend.  No dates have been finalized at this time.
• The Capitals are tied for the best start in NHL history through a team’s first 46 games of a season (in terms of wins).
• The Capitals currently have a three-point lead on the Blackhawks in the Presidents Trophy race, but have played six fewer games.
• The Capitals have posted a 35-8-3 (73 points) record this season, ranking first in the NHL in points and wins. Washington’s 35-8-3 record marks the team’s best start (in terms of points and wins) in franchise history.
• Washington has won 12 consecutive games at Verizon Center, marking the longest home winning streak in the NHL this season and the Capitals longest home winning streak since they won a franchise-record 13 consecutive games during the 2009-10 season.  The Capitals will be looking to tie the franchise record Wednesday night when they host the Flyers.

• Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner is scheduled to play in his 423rd consecutive game on Wednesday night, passing Bob Carpenter (422) for the longest consecutive games played streak in franchise history. Karl Alzner said his neighbors expressed concern about him shoveling snow because he could get hurt and not set the Caps’ iron man streak.
• Due to the severe snow impacting the Washington D.C, area, Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts will now go on sale beginning Wednesday, Jan. 27, when the Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers. Courage Caps and T-shirts will be sold for $20 online at WashingtonCaps.com, at the Washington Capitals Team Store at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and at the Team Store and at stands throughout Verizon Center during Capitals home games.

On This Date
On this date in 2003, Capitals Peter Bondra reached the 20 goal season mark for the 12th consecutive year of his NHL career.

Standings

Other Stories
Capitals’ Andre Burakovsky isn’t just out of his funk. He’s got his confidence back. (WaPo)
Capitals-Flyers preview. (ESPN)
The Last Time The Caps Rescheduled Multiple Postponements (Mike Vogel)
Snow break comes at a bad time for Mike Richards (WaPo)
Capitals’ Backstrom ready to take All-Star stage (NHL.com)
Mother Nature called for icing: Red-hot Capitals still waiting to play (WaPo)
John Carlson may not return to lineup until after all-star break (WaPo)
This time around, Marcus Johansson is finding his groove at center (WaPo)

ESPN