The Caps hit the Kettler rink at 11:30 Friday morning for their final practice of 2016. The team is now en route to New Jersey in advance of their Saturday afternoon rematch with the Devils. Puck drop is 1:00PM.
MORNING SKATE
All players were present for the morning practice. As expected, Mitch Korn spent extra time with the goalies before practice, working on a few things. Also, as expected, the team conducted shootout drills for the forwards and goalies. Photos from this mornings practice are posted here:
Practice lines:
There were a few minor line adjustments this morning, indicative of Saturday’s starting line combinations. Nicklas Backstrom was elevated to first line center, and TJ Oshie and Justin Williams flipped line assignments.
#Caps lines:
8-19-77
90-92-14
10-20-65
26-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-88
Top lines different, Vrana still out.— JJ Regan (@JJReganCSN) December 30, 2016
Friday morning practice lines indicate that Jakub Vrana could be a healthy scratch for his second straight game on Saturday against the Devils.
Vrana was the first forward on the ice before practice. Now he’s the last forward on the ice, working with Lambert.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) December 30, 2016
Trotz said there was no change in plans for Vrana and seemed confused by the question. Vrana is still w/ the #Caps
— JJ Regan (@JJReganCSN) December 30, 2016
NEWS AND NOTES
Barry Trotz met the media following Friday morning’s practice. He discussed Evgeny Kuznetsov, starting goalies for this weekend’s back-to-back set, Caps penalty kill success and 3-on-3 overtime philosophies.
Barry Trotz talks with media after Friday’s practice as the team gets ready to head to NJ to finish off their home-and-home with the Devils. pic.twitter.com/s1F4P4ftlW
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 30, 2016
Evgeny Kuznetsov also met with the media following practice on Friday. He discussed his mistake in the game against the Devils, being reassigned to the second line and playing the Devils.
Kuzy talks with the media after today’s @medstarhealth practice. #CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/jcl3uVZ1Ch
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 30, 2016
STORY LINKS:
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Devils 2, Caps 1 (SO) (Mike Vogel)
After Friday’s Practice, Jakub Vrana’s Immediate Future with the Caps Remains Unclear (J.J. Regan)
Caps Close Out 2016 Portion of ’16-17 Slate in Newark (Mike Vogel)
WEEKLY POLL
It’s no secret that Evgeny Kuznetsov has been struggling. Since March 1st of last year, Kuznetsov has just 4 goals and 27 assists (54 regular season games). So, NoVa Caps weekly poll asked Caps fans how the Caps should handle the situation.
Evgeny Kuznetsov should:
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) December 30, 2016
RELATED NEWS
#Isles Transaction: Jaroslav Halak has been placed on waivers.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 30, 2016
SHAVINGS
- Capitals prospect Damien Riat ranks tied for first among Swiss skaters in points (1g, 3a) at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship and Jonas Siegenthaler leads Swiss defensemen in points (1g, 2a).
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps
A bit surprised Halak was waived.