The Capitals were back at practice at Kettler this morning (Monday), after returning from their three-game road trip yesterday. The Capitals will host the New York Islanders Tuesday night at Verizon Center. Puck-drop is 7:00 PM.
Morning Skate:
All Caps were at practice this morning. The practice lines this morning:
Offensive Lines:
Ovechkin-Johansson-Oshie
Burakovsky-Kuznetsov-Williams
Chimera-Beagle-Wilson
Galiev-Richards-Winnik
Defensive Pairs
Alzner-Niskanen
Schmidt-Carlson
Orpik-Orlov
Nicklas Backstrom was on the ice for practice this morning, and rotated in the line rushes. Backstrom did not participate in power play drills. Trotz confirmed Holtby would be starting against the Islanders on Tuesday night and against the Penguins on Thursday. After that “the plan gets a bit foggy”.
Johansson on top line with Ovi, Oshie. Backstrom rotating on second line with Kuznetsov, Burakovsky, Williams. #CapitalsTalk
— Chuck Gormley (@ChuckGormleyCSN) April 4, 2016
Backstrom getting bumped around in drills. Good sign that whatever his upper-body injury is, it’s likely relatively minor.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 4, 2016
Nicklas Backstrom (upper body) participating in some net-front battle drills and looking pretty strong. Not on 1st PP, though. #CapitalsTalk
— Chuck Gormley (@ChuckGormleyCSN) April 4, 2016
News and Notes
- As per Isabelle Khurshudyan, “Trotz didn’t say much about Backstrom’s status. Said if he’s not 100 percent, he won’t play. Also reiterated that he’s not concerned.”
- Braden Holtby needs one win to tie Martin Brodeur’s record for single season wins.
- The Islanders will be playing their second game of a back-to-back set tomorrow night versus the Caps. The Islanders are in Tampa tonight to take on the Lightning.
- The Capitals are the only team entering final week of season ranked in Top-5 in goals-per-game (2nd), goals-against-average (1st), PP (2nd) & PK (4th) (@BenRaby31)
- Read Braden Holtby’s take on life in Washington in the April issue of Washington Life.
- MSE Foundation will host its Spring Puck Surprise on Tuesday, April 5, when the Caps host the New York Islanders. Pucks will be sold at the MSE Foundation table behind section 104, starting when doors open at 6 p.m.
- Join John Walton at Flight Wine Bar from 4-6pm on Tuesday for the Caps Radio live show.
- Coming up on “Caps Talk” today at 4:00, Nate Schmidt, Karl Alzner, @VogsCaps and previewing #CapsIsles tomorrow and much more!
- Plaoff tickets are now available.
Other Stories
Barry Trotz post-practice interview (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Nicklas Backstrom injury update (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Marcus Johansson post-practice interview (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Rink Side Update – Alex Ovechkin – 4/4 (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Caps Today – 4/4/16 (Monumental Sports)
Will Caps give Backstrom another game off? (CSNMA)
Caps’ Holtby has someone special rooting for him (CSNMA)
Nicklas Backstrom is practicing, but he won’t play until fully healthy (WaPo)
RFK Stadium site offered as home for Redskins or maybe Wizards and Capitals (WaPo)
Play-Off Status
The Capitals have secured 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.
