The Capitals returned to practice at Kettler Wednesday morning, following their thrilling comeback, overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. The Caps next host the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday night at Verizon Center. Puck drop is 7:00PM.
RECAP
The Capitals flipped the proverbial script last night, as the Caps usually stingy defense yielded 5 goals for only the second time this season. In addition, the offense, somewhat stagnate as of late, exploded to post a six-spot on the Leafs, the second-most goals scored by the Caps this season (The Caps scored 7 against the Penguins on 11/16). The overtime victory extended the Capitals winning streak to three games, and ended the Maple Leafs winning streak at five games.
MORNING SKATE
The Capitals quickly turn their sights to the vaunted Columbus Blue Jackets, who currently have the best record in the league and will be looking to notch their 17th consecutive victory on Thursday night. Should the Jackets win on Thursday, they would tie the NHL record for consecutive victories.
Orpik said if any of the Caps said they’re not looking at the streak they’re lying, they were all checking the Cbus score last night.
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 4, 2017
Photos from this morning’s practice can be found here.
Practice Lines:
Practice lines at morning skate showed no changes from the previous two games, which in a way, is a bit shocking.
No changes in lines. Looks like Chorney still in on third pair with Orpik.
8-19-77
90-92-14
10-20-65
26-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-4— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 4, 2017
This would indicate that Taylor Chorney will start his third straight game, and Nate Schmidt will sit out his third straight game Thursday night against the Blue Jackets. Coach Trotz concluded Wednesday’s practice with a “mini bag skate” as reported by CSN’s Jill Sorenson:
Mini bag skate after practice. All business before Jackets come to town pic.twitter.com/hustj2AByW
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 4, 2017
METROPOLTIAN STANDINGS:
DAILY LINKS:
Caps Today, 1/4/17 (Capitals PR)
SHAVINGS:
- Alex Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal in overtime on Tuesday against Toronto, marking his 19th career overtime goal. Ovechkin is now tied with Jaromir Jagr (19) for first place in NHL history in overtime goals.
- Ovechkin sits just five points shy of 1,000 career NHL points (543g, 452a).
- Nicklas Backstrom sits two assists shy of 500 for his career.
INTERVIEWS:
TJ OShie
Caps Forward @tjoshie77 comments on the ‘break the streak’ storyline from tomorrow’s #CapsJackets matchup. pic.twitter.com/AnH7DpsVRj
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 4, 2017
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps
