The Washington Capitals held their final practice this morning before departing for Pittsburgh. The Capitals will face the Penguins Thursday night. Puck-drop is scheduled for 8:21 (for those wishing to skip the Penguins pre-game ceremonies).
MORNING SKATE
Practice Lines
Head coach Barry Trotz tinkered with the lines this morning, moving Marcus Johansson up to the second line, and moving Justin Williams down to the third line.
Trotz trying new forward lines today: 8-92-77; 90-19-65; 82-20-14 and 26-83-43. Trotz likes the all Swede line.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) October 12, 2016
Trotz was asked if this mornings practice lines would be the starting lines for tomorrow nights opener in Pittsburgh, but Trotz would not confirm, saying “we have options”.
Some scenes from morning skate:
Ovi putting in some post-practice work in Ovi’s office… pic.twitter.com/kRl8jCEUEp
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) October 12, 2016
The new guy, Zach Sanford met with the media this morning after practice:
“I kinda tried to play it a little cool… but I was about to freak out.” – @zachsanford21 on making the opening night roster. #CapsPenspic.twitter.com/jR8JesOOLf
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 12, 2016
Barry Trotz spoke with the media prior to departing for Pittsburgh:
Barry Trotz on the “Tre Kronor” all Swede line and tomorrow’s opening night #CapsPens tilt. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/S2LyDyMFjF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 12, 2016
ROSTER MANAGEMENT
The Capitals will start the season with 22 players on their roster – one under the league maximum of 23. The open roster spot will provide the Capitals with some relief from the salary cap (the Capitals are currently $584,874 under the cap) as well as facilitate a little easier management for call-ups. The final opening night roster for the Capitals:
CAPITALS @ PENGUINS
Head Coach Barry Trotz was asked about having his team watch the Penguins pre-game ceremonies and banner-raising tomorrow night:
Trotz on Pitt pre-game festivities: “There’s no way I’m going to have the guys sit out there for a half-hour.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) October 12, 2016
Trotz says he’s talked to his captains. Plan is to “recognize” what the #Penguins are doing. How? Specifics will stay in house, Trotz said.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) October 12, 2016
Penguins head coach Sullivan ruled Sidney Crosby out for opener. Crosby is recovering from a concussion he suffered in practice this past week. The projected starting lines for the Capitals Thursday night:
NEWS AND NOTES
- Thursday marks the second time in franchise history that Washington will open the regular season against the defending Stanley Cup champions (Oct. 1, 2013 at Chicago).
- Thursday’s game marks the 214th all-time meeting between the teams, marking the most games Washington has played against one team in franchise history.
- All 30 teams finalized their rosters by 5:00 pm yesterday (Tuesday). The NHL has all of the opening night rosters posted here:
- Dont forget to catch John Walton and “Caps Talk” each weekday from 4-6PM on Capitals radio. Right here:
OTHER KEY STORIES
The Capitals and Analytics (WaPo)
Entering his contract year, Karl Alzner is focused on consistency (WaPo)
“Capitals Today” for 1012/2016 (Capitals Public Relations)
Evgeny Kuznetsov Hopes to Shake-off the Bad-and Soar This Season-with-the Capitals (WaPo)
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
The #Caps are here!! Regular season starts tomorrow in Pittsburgh. Finally! #CapsPens #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/Yd0i3tn8PD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 12, 2016
By Jon Sorensen
