Capitals Practice Report: Caps Return from Philly, Turn Focus towards Bolts

Posted on December 22, 2016 by
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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.

“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

INTERVIEWS

Karl Alzner spoke with John Walton for today’s Rinkside Update:

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:

By Michael Marzzacco

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1 Response to Capitals Practice Report: Caps Return from Philly, Turn Focus towards Bolts

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