Photo: @Capitals
The Capitals returned home from Philadelphia following a tough shootout loss to the Flyers last night and held a practice this afternoon at Kettler. Practices are usually in the morning around 10:30 or so but this one started at 12:30, perhaps because of the late 8:00 puck drop last night.
What happened last night?
The Capitals fell to the Flyers 3-2 in a shootout. Despite the loss, Washington earned a point and both Caps goals came from players who were in a slump. Andre Burakovksy returned to the lineup after being benched for three games. He scored in the first period to end a 26-game drought. Lars Eller scored in the second, ending an 18-game drought.
“Last night we had an opportunity (in the shootout). (We) scored the first one, got the save. If we could score another one or get that extra save… we lost the point we could’ve had”, said head coach Barry Trotz.
What’s next?
The Capitals will hold a morning skate at Kettler tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. before hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning at Verizon Center at 7 p.m.
PRACTICE LINES
There was a slight change in the fourth line today. Brett Connolly was in the left wing spot in place on Daniel Winnik. One interesting thing was that the defensemen weren’t in their original blue practice threads.
One small change in lines.
8-92-14
90-19-77
13-20-65
10-83-43Connolly in for Winnik in practice. Defense is same.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 22, 2016
“We’re trying to develop that Eller line, trying to find the right pieces there and we’ve had a couple of organizational things that we want to see some kids in those positions… so I’ve been taking guys in and out a little bit. Connolly, when I took him out last game, was pretty good on that line with Eller and Vrana so I want to get him back in,” Trotz explained.
PRACTICE VIDEO
Hi TJ @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/TAAKZm25sj
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) December 22, 2016
Caps practice with my boy @Marswaggo pic.twitter.com/40Q2oMq9IN
— Andrei Poleshchuk (@Puck_Fury) December 22, 2016
@NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/yG6KgBGqnI
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) December 22, 2016
@NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/AxcsxrV8aW
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) December 22, 2016
This is my favorite drill that they do. And my favorite angle to capture it, up top @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/S7faubvcHL
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) December 22, 2016
Time to stretch @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/GHx3ySw3Nm
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) December 22, 2016
INTERVIEWS
Karl Alzner spoke with John Walton for today’s Rinkside Update:
.@KarlAlzner talk one-on-one with @WaltonCaps about last night’s game, #CapsBolts tomorrow and playing hockey around the Holiday season. pic.twitter.com/pRKzutSTJW
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 22, 2016
SHAVINGS
- Braden Holtby stopped 36 of 38 shots last night against the Flyers, marking the 16th time in 24 games he has allowed two or fewer goals
STORY LINKS
Barry Trotz Press Conference (Monumental Network)
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Flyers 3, Caps 2 (SO) (Mike Vogel)
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Alex Ovechkin held a skate with the kids of Fort Dupont. Here are some pictures and a video from the event:
.@KidsOnIce players get their first chance to meet @ovi8! #CapsCare pic.twitter.com/PuU3WHNOo4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 22, 2016
Out on the ice with the @KidsOnIce! @ovi8 #CapsCare pic.twitter.com/LV6Mf52mxm
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 22, 2016
Group photo! Thanks for coming by today, @KidsOnIce! Happy Holidays! #CapsCare@ovi8pic.twitter.com/SEWeqHZjeh
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 22, 2016
Time for our annual #CourageCaps skate which means it’s a good time to show you this year’s gear! Proceeds benefit @TAPSorg, on sale Jan. 11 pic.twitter.com/ocZpjPE9YD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 22, 2016
Courage Caps event at Kettler just started…more photos tonight on https://t.co/JlEASHn7m5..@teams4taps @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/IfpHkrpJKf
— Debbie Pierce (@HokieGirl4Ever) December 22, 2016
By Michael Marzzacco
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