Photo: @washcaps
The Capitals held their final practice this morning before the second round series gets under way. Puck-drop for game 1 is tonight at 8:00 PM.
MORNING SKATE:
This morning’s skate was optional for the team. (Photos from morning skate can be found here:) Those players in attendance this morning included:
Braden Holtby
Philipp Grubauer
Michael Latta
Stan Galiev
Brooks Orpik
Karl Alzner
Taylor Chorney
Mike Weber
Nate Schmidt
Dmitry Orlov
Evgeny Kuznetsov
Andre Burakovsky
Daniel Winnik
Jason Chimera
Trotz said Orpik is a “game-time.” Added there’s a “good chance.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 28, 2016
Alzner said he feels “great.” Orpik said he hasn’t been medically cleared yet. Hoping for a decision this afternoon. “Out of my hands.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 28, 2016
Tonight’s goalie match-up:
NEWS AND NOTES
General
- Significance of winning Game 1? Every team that did in Round 1 went on to win the series.
- The Capitals have announced a viewing party at Verizon Center for game 4 on Thursday, May 4th. More information here:
T.J. Oshie’s daughter doesn’t like the Penguins:
In case it wasn’t clear, T.J. Oshie’s daughter really doesn’t like the Penguins https://t.co/5hZs1AUPoLpic.twitter.com/Uh6HrhyauU
— Post Sports (@PostSports) April 28, 2016
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Capitals-Penguins
- In 8 post-season meetings against the Capitals, the Penguins hold a 7-1 series advantage, despite a 1-7 record in Game 1’s.
- Braden Holtby has registered four shutouts, and a .940 save percentage in 40 career playoff games
- Looks like Penguins Conor Sheary is good to go for Game 1 vs Caps. Sheary sat-out yesterday’s practice.
Apparently you can’t take photos from an NHL locker room (oops!), but the #Penguins have a “HUNT” sign up w/ the #Caps logo in a bull’s eye.
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) April 28, 2016
Schedule for second-round series:
Extended Metro Hours
Verizon Center and Metro announce extended service for Capitals’ Playoff Game on April 28. Metrorail will remain open one additional hour to accommodate fans attending the Capitals playoff game tomorrow, Thursday, April 28 at Verizon Center at 8 p.m. Fans entering the system after midnight must use the following station entrances:
- Gallery Place (7th and F Street entrance only)
- Judiciary Square (F Street entrance only)
- Metro Center (11th & G Street entrance only)
NHL.com’ Series Analysis:
.@washcaps. @penguins.
Game 1. Second Round.Who has the advantage? @SAPSports breaks it down. #WSHvsPIThttps://t.co/3mngfysaM6
— #StanleyCup Playoffs (@NHL) April 28, 2016
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RINK LINKS
Caps and Pens Set to Do Battle in Second Round (Mike Vogel)
The Noon Number: It’s Not the First to 1… (Japers’ Rink)
Capitals vs. Penguins Series Preview: Your Crew Versus My Crew (Japers’ Rink)
Barry Trotz post-practice interview this morning (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Brooks Orpik post-practice interview this morning (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Braden Holtby post-practice interview this morning (Video) (Monumental Sports)
Karl Alzner post-practice interview this morning (Video) (Monumental Sports)
The NHL’s top four teams will meet in the second round. That’s dumb. (WaPo)
With two Capitals’ defensemen ailing, Taylor Chorney could see time against his old team (WaPo)
