The Capitals made their way to Philadelphia yesterday afternoon following morning skate at Kettler. The Caps face the Flyers tonight (Wednesday) at Wells Fargo Center, in the 4th and final regular season meeting between the two teams. The Caps have won two of the first three meetings. Puck-drop is an annoying 8:00 PM, and will be carried on NBCSN as their “Wednesday Rivalry” game of the week.
Morning Skate
The practice lines for the Capitals:
Offensive Lines:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Johansson
Burakovsky-Backstrom-Williams
Chimera-Beagle-Wilson
Winnik-Richards-Latta
Defensive Pairs:
Alzner-Niskanen
Schmidt-Carlson
Orpik-Orlov
Coach Trotz continued to juggle lines, possibly to keep things fresh, and possibly to keep the Flyers (a potential first-round opponent) guessing a bit. Trotz may also be trying to spark the first line. Alex Ovechkin has just three goals since February 26th. It looks like Michael Latta will return to the lineup tonight. Braden Holtby will get the start in net tonight for the Caps.
Graphic: @washingtoncaps
No T.J. Oshie at morning skate. It’s a maintenance day for him, and he’s a game-time decision, per team spokesman.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 30, 2016
Trotz didn’t elaborate much on Oshie’s injury. Said he got twisted up in the last game, and they’re being cautious.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 30, 2016
Trotz said he’s hopeful Ovechkin and Kuznetsov will spark one another on a line together. Said Ovechkin has “been quiet for quite a while.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 30, 2016
Photo: @washcaps
News and Notes
- Braden Holtby has posted a 46-9-4 record this season and is two wins shy of tying Martin Brodeur (48) for first place on the NHL’s single-season wins list.
- The Capitals will stay in Philadelphia tonight, then fly to Denver tomorrow for their game against the Avalanche on Friday. No practice for the team on Thursday.
- The Flyers have re-signed Ray Emory.
- CSN is holding a Caps viewing party tonight at the Palm Tyson’s Corner. Swing by and watch #capsflyers.
- Cooking with the Caps, a Washington Capitals Cookbook presented by SuperFd Catering, is now available for preorder, with proceeds benefiting DC Central Kitchen.
Capitals @ Flyers
The Caps and Flyers last squared-off on February 7th at Verizon Center, with the Caps pulling off the 3-2 victory. The game winner was provided by Matt Niskanen and his coast-to-coast dangling dazzler.
The game is potentially a first-round playoff preview and should be highly contested. The Flyers are battling Detroit for the final Wild Card spot and need to win the game. For the Caps, this will be a good test to see where the team stands, as well as great preparation for the team, should the first round collision materialize.
Other Stories
Caps face Flyers in Philly (Mike Vogel)
Japers’ Rink on Capitals Radio 24/7: Domination and Complacency (Japers’ Rink)
Braden Holtby pre-Game Interview (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Alex Ovechkin Pre-Game Interview (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Trotz has an ‘honest’ talk with struggling Orlov (CSNMA)
Players say these aren’t your 2009-10 Capitals (CSNMA)
Caps Built on Foundation of Alzner & Carlson (The Hockey Writers)
Why the Capitals should want to face the Islanders and Rangers (WaPo)
After a rash of costly turnovers by Dmitry Orlov, changes could be coming (WaPo)
A potential first-round opponent, Capitals see Flyers as a challenge (WaPo)
Don’t buy a Capitals Presidents’ Trophy T-shirt (WaPo)
Playoff Status
The Capitals clinched the 2015-16 Presidents’ Trophy with a 4-1 win against Columbus on Monday, securing the best record in hockey for the 2015-2016 season and home ice advantage for the upcoming playoffs. The Capitals will face the second Wild Card team in the opening round of the playoffs, scheduled to start on or around April 14th. If the playoffs started today the Capitals would face the Philadelphia Flyers.
