The Capitals returned to practice this morning at Kettler Capitals Iceplex to finalize preparations for Wednesday night’s tilt against the St. Louis Blues at Verizon Center. Puck-drop is 7:00PM.
MORNING PRACTICE:
Lars Eller made a near-complete return to practice this morning. He sat-out the last drill which included heavy contact. It looks like he may be able to return to the lineup tomorrow night when the Capitals host the St. Louis Blues. Eller said after practice this morning that his injury was something that was lingering before the Detroit game. The Bertuzzi hit just triggered the existing ailment.
Trotz said he wouldn’t recall anyone tonight. Will have someone “on alert” tomorrow, if Eller can’t play.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 22, 2016
Practice lines:
The practice lines this morning:
Lines:
90-19-14
8-92-65
82-83-10
26-20-43— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 22, 2016
Eller is back on the ice for PK work. Connolly is on the second PP.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 22, 2016
Cal Ripken, Jr. had an informal meeting with the Capitals this morning following practice. Also worth noting is the load of ice on Alex Ovechkin’s shoulder (front, center).
Photo: @Capitals
Barry Trotz spoke to the media following today’s practice. Trotz talked about having Cal Ripken, Jr. visit with the team today, the return of Lars Eller, Zach Sanford, Brett Connolly, Jay Beagle and potential call-ups for tomorrow’s game.
Head Coach Barry Trotz on Cal Ripken Jr. joining practice and Eller’s return. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/IzdyL6NmOe
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 22, 2016
Tom Wilson met with the media following practice today. Wilson spoke about the need to step up, Jay Beagle‘s leadership, the loss of T.J. Oshie and more:
Caps Forward Tom Wilson on playing with a lead and more after Tuesday’s @medstarhealth practice. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/DEZrIzVwwe
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 22, 2016
NEW AND NOTES:
- Nicklas Backstrom ranks first in franchise history in 50-assist seasons and since he entered the NHL in 2007-08, Backstrom ranks tied for first in the NHL in 50-assist seasons (Ryan Getzlaf, Henrik Sedin, Joe Thornton).
- The Capitals are 18th in the league in power play at a 15.4% conversion rate, and ranked 18th in the league in penalty kill at 81.8% for a combined special teams index of 97.2.
- TSN held their first mock draft for the LV expansion:
VIVA LAS VEGAS. #TSNHockey conducts first mock Las Vegas expansion draft with @CraigJButton & @Real_ESPNLeBrun: https://t.co/Az0VSDjl5W #TSN pic.twitter.com/iTVfmTLxSs
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 22, 2016
John Walton chatted with Zach Sanford in today’s “Rinkside Update”:
Rinkside Update: Zach Sanford on his improving role and post-practice fisticuff lessons with Willy. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/mExAw69tEz
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 22, 2016
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Trotz: “You gotta love Jay Beagle. Who doesn’t love Jay Beagle?”
SCENES FROM KETTLER:
Special guest Cal Ripken Jr. here today watching #Caps practice. He’ll be speaking to the team after they get off the ice. @RipkenBaseball pic.twitter.com/0xiw5YOtGX
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 22, 2016
Welcome back to @MedStarHealth practice @Eller_89! #RockTheRedpic.twitter.com/y3qVLqBDWd
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 22, 2016
Took a one-timer off the mask from Alex Ovechkin and lived to tell about it. pic.twitter.com/NVz3mzYbrX
— A.J. Perez (@byajperez) November 22, 2016
By Jon Sorensen
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