The Capitals returned to Northern Virginia late Wednesday night following their 2-1 loss to the Flyers in Game 4. Coach Trotz gave the team the day-off on Thursday and returned to Kettler Friday morning to finalize preparations for Game 5. Puck-drop for game 5 is tonight at 7:00PM.
MORNING SKATE:
Brooks Orpik (upper body injury) did not practice with the team this morning. Practice lines at morning skate:
Offensive lines:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie
Burakovsky-Kuznetsov-Williams
Chimera-Richards-Johansson
Winnik-Beagle-Wilson
Defensive pairs:
Schmidt-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Orlov-Chorney
Taylor Chorney will once again fill-in for Brook Orpik. Braden Holtby will get the start in goal for the Caps. Michal Neuvirth will get the start in goal for the Flyers.
.@ZacBoyer asked Trotz if Brooks Orpik has a concussion.
Trotz: “I’m not going to answer that.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 22, 2016
Trotz said he doesn’t have long-term concern about Orpik’s availability in the playoffs. Said he exercised today.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 22, 2016
NEWS AND NOTES:
- Braden Holtby ranks 1st in NHL playoff history (min. 25 games played) in career save percentage (.939).
- Braden Holtby 18-9 record when allowing 2 or fewer goals in playoffs. Allowed 3+ 11 times (1-10)
- The Capitals lead the NHL in goals (13) and goals against (4) this postseason.
- Mike Richards has earned 18 points (4g, 14a) in 20 career Game 5s.
- Top power plays in 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Caps (8 for 19; 42.1%) & Pens (7/19; 36.8), appear to be on collision course.
- Tonight’s Game 5 will be broadcast locally on CSNM. Outside of the local markets on NBCSN. In Canada on CBC and TVA.
- Barry Trotz post-practice interview this morning (Video) can be found here:
- Check out “Caps Talk” with John Walton each weekday from 4-6PM on Caps Radio:
Brayden Schenn “apologizes”.
Spoke to #Flyers Brayden Schenn after morning skate about Evgeny Kuznetsov post whistle check. He apologized. Called it “a pretty dumb play”
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) April 22, 2016
Schenn on Kuzy hit: “All I’m going to say about that is it was a pretty dumb play by me. There’s no reason for that & I’ll leave it at that”
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) April 22, 2016
.
This hit by Schenn to the side of Kuznetsov’s knee looks even worse in slow motion. pic.twitter.com/xy1AjztgRV
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) April 21, 2016
.
Flyers morning skate at Verizon
Flyers are practicing but I’m only kinda paying attention. pic.twitter.com/2wG90eSRvl
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) April 22, 2016
.
RINK LINKS:
Caps Have Another Chance to Finish Flyers on Friday (Mike Vogel)
News and Notes From Caps’ Morning Skate (Mike Vogel)
The Noon Number: Bouncing Back (Japers’ Rink)
Chances are the Caps will Close Out Series Soon (Japers’ Rink)
Searching for Killer Instinct (Japers’ Rink)
Trotz addresses Orpik’s upper body injury (Chuck Gormley)
Capitals vow to pressure Neuvirth early in Game 5 (CSNMA)
When it comes to the Capitals, when is it too early to panic? (Wash Times)
Brooks Orpik’s status uncertain as Capitals host Game 5 on Friday night (Wash Times)
Braden Holtby post-practice media session (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Nate Schmidt post-practice media session (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Jason Chimera post-practice interview (Video) (ESPN)
Capitals Eager to End Series Versus Flyers (NHL.com)
Taylor Chorney stays in the lineup with Brooks Orpik still out (WaPo)
Capitals’ habit of coming back strong after a loss should serve them well in Game 5 (WaPo)
Capitals’ crease wasn’t big enough for both Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth (WaPo)
Looking For a WIN CAPS❤️.
Yes! Gotta have it!