Photo: Washington Capitals
After a three-day break for the holidays, the Capitals flew into New York City this morning and headed straight to Barclays Center in Brooklyn to prepare for tonight’s matchup against the Islanders. Puck drop is at 7:00 and you can catch the game on CSN.
SCOUTING THE ISLANDERS
After advancing to the second round of the playoffs last season, the Islanders are basement dwellers in the Metropolitan Division with a 13-14-6 record and 32 points. However, the Islanders enter tonight’s game riding a two game winning streak with wins over the Bruins and Sabres. Get ready for tonight’s game with our game preview here.
LINES
The lines are similar to the game against the Lightning. The only difference is Nate Schmidt is in place of Taylor Chorney in the final defensive pair. Braden Holtby gets the start in goal against Jaroslav Halak. Zach Sanford was a scratch though he was sent down to Hershey on Dec. 23. The roster freeze occurs at midnight. Sanford was still skating with the team during this morning’s skate.
Caps lines:
8-92-14
90-19-14
13-20-65
10-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-88So, only change from last game is that Schmidt is in.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 27, 2016
Supposed to be 90-19-77. Oops. https://t.co/sLhbchVTJD
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 27, 2016
CAPS LINKS
Caps Get Back to Work in Brooklyn (Mike Vogel)
With a 1-3 Record in Shootouts, Caps are Spending More Time Practicing It (CSN/Tarik El-Bashir)
SHAVINGS
🍎 on the brain. Three shy of 500 career assist. @MedStarHealth morning skate. #CapsIsles pic.twitter.com/bDEsfrNNYh
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 27, 2016
- Nicklas Backstrom is three assists shy of 500 assists in his career.
- Braden Holtby carries a 12-2-3 record vs. the Islanders with a .928 save percentage and 2.18 goals-against average.
- Holtby has earned a point in 14 of his last 15 games vs. Islanders.
- The Caps have earned a point in 11 of their last 12 games vs. the Islanders and have earned a point in seven consecutive road games against NYI.
INTERVIEWS
Barry Trotz
Coach Trotz talks with the media about tonight’s #CapsIsles matchup in Brooklyn. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/5fVGGGc7qo
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 27, 2016
Matt Niskanen and Braden Holtby
Matt Niskanen and Braden Holtby discuss how to hit the ground running tonight after the holiday break. #CapsIsles pic.twitter.com/rBOlU8jS3C
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 27, 2016
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
