Photo: Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals continue to be scattered all over the globe, however following World Cup of Hockey games on Saturday, players will begin migrating their way back to North America.
MORNING SKATE
Chandler Stephenson, Riley Barber and Zach Sanford returned to Kettler this morning (Friday). All three have a chance of playing games with the Capitals this coming season.
NEWS AND NOTES
Justin Williams stated this morning he had lost some weight this summer, with a goal of getting faster on the ice this season. William’s told CSN’s Tarik El-Bashir, “What you don’t want to be doing, with these guys over at the World Cup playing high-end hockey, is you don’t want to be playing catch up.”
The Caps Roadcrew has finalized and released its slate of games for road trips this coming season. If you ever wanted to hit the road and watch the Capitals in another town, this is a great way to experience the road with other fellow Capitals fans. The list of games can be found here.
Braden Holtby revealed his new mask for the World Cup of Hockey this morning to the media in Columbus, Ohio. Holtby and Team Canada are in the states to take on Team USA tonight. The new mask, painted by Dave Gunnarsson, pays tribute to the Tragically Hip and their lead singer Gord Downie, who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. This made an impression on Holtby, who is a music fan and plays guitar in his down time. Holtby will auction off the bucket to raise money for brain cancer.
Holtby’s new bucket, with the mural of the band “The Tragically Hip”. Dave Gunnarsson released a short video clip of Holtby’s mask this morning on his Instagram account.
WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY
Team USA will host Team Canada tonight (Friday) at Nationwide arena in Columbus, Ohio. Oshie spoke for us all this morning. Thank you TJ.
The projected lines for tonight’s USA vs. Canada match-up. Puck-drop is 7:00PM and will be televised on ESPNU.
The Capitals on Team Russia stopped for a photo today, before the team photo and practice in Prague.
Nicklas Backstrom, out and about this afternoon in Gothenburg, Sweden. Team Sweden will host Team Finland in Gothenburg on Saturday, before packing up and heading to Virginia. Team Sweden will begin practicing at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Sunday night. Unfortunately practices will not be open to the general public.
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Caps top prospect Jakub Vrana and friends, spent part of their Friday afternoon at Don Tito’s in Arlington.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKJZq1bhEVS/?taken-by=jakubvrana_
Today in Caps History
Without question the biggest trade in Washington Capitals history occurred on this date in 1982.
Photo Of the Day
Bulleit, patiently awaiting the start of hockey season. 34 days until opening night!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKI_DRDgivN/?taken-by=leyla_m90
By Jon Sorensen
