James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Following Wednesday night’s 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Kansas City, the Capitals’ training camp moved its location to Raleigh, North Carolina, in advance of tonight’s tilt with the Carolina Hurricanes. Puck drop is 7:30 PM, and will be televised on CSN.
GAME NOTES
The Capitals will throttle-back the star factor a bit for tonight’s game, as Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom will sit this one out. TJ Oshie, who had two goals on Wednesday night will play, as will Evgeny Kuznetsov. Christian Thomas, who also had two goals in Wednesday’s night’s game, will not play tonight. The rosters for tonight’s game:
Since 2007-08, the Capitals are 5-0-3 against the Hurricanes in the preseason. Lars Eller (1g, 2a), Jay Beagle (3a) and Daniel Winnik (3a) lead Washington in points this preseason, Braden Holtby has posted a 1.30 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage and Philipp Grubauer has registered a 1.29 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. The Capitals “Game Notes” for tonight’s contest can be found here. Mike Vogel’s game preview is here:
MORNING SKATE
The team held their morning skate at PNC arena. The practice lines at morning skate:
Forwards
Burakovsky-Kuznetsov-Williams
Sanford-Eller-Connolly
Winnik-Beagle-Carey
Malone-Sill-Galiev
Defensive Pairs
Orlov-Niskanen
Schmidt-Carlson
Ness-Chorney
Braden Holtby will get the start in goal tonight. Marcus Johansson returned to the ice today.
.@mjohansson90 on the ice #CapitalsTalk pic.twitter.com/kHRKDQEyMs
— steve farrell (@capsbigbossman) October 7, 2016
ROSTER MANAGEMENT
Jonas Siegenthaler remains on the Capitals training camp roster, but did not make the road trip with the team. The Washington Post is reporting that Siegenthaler is dealing with “family issues”.
Mike Vogel and John Walton discussed final roster moves in this mornings “Two Man Advantage”.
#Caps still battling for roster spots. @vogscaps and @waltoncaps break it down for you on today’s Two-Man Advantage. #CapsCanespic.twitter.com/oMmdRVHlLq
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2016
Mike Vogel also chatted with Nate Schmidt this morning after practice.
Rinkside Update: @nateschmidt29 joins @vogscaps to discuss their group of seven returning defensemen. #CapsCanes pic.twitter.com/bOM1yHHouj
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2016
CAPITALS NEWS LINKS
Caps Take on Canes in Carolina (Mike Vogel)
After slow start, forward Christian Thomas makes his case for roster spot (WaPo)
Capitals agree to four-year extension of affiliation with Hershey Bears (WaPo)
Evgeny Kuznetsov expected to see more time on Caps’ top line this season (WaPo)
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Still using that old gear? Not anymore. #Caps gear sale is back at @KettlerIceplex Sat. 8:30am-1:30pm
All info: https://t.co/8IFAhaVLpSpic.twitter.com/AWBNV5xFbr— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2016
By Jon Sorensen
