The Capitals returned to work at Kettler Thursday afternoon, following their decisive 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday night at Verizon Center. The focus quickly shifts to preparations for Friday night’s tilt against the Chicago Blackhawks. Puck drop is 7:00PM.

PRACTICE
Practice lines remained the same as line configurations for last night’s Penguins game. All players were in attendance, however, John Carlson left the ice early, hobbled by a minor injury he sustained in last nights game.

Trotz called Carlson’s early departure from practice maintenance in nature. Expects him to play tomorrow.

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 12, 2017

To be more specific, Carlson blocked a Letang shot with 8:45 remaining. On the right leg. Looked a bit hobbled.

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 12, 2017

Coach Trotz continues to increase accountability associated with penalties in a game. TJ Oshie was the latest to skate laps today, for penalties (3) he incurred in last nights Penguins game.

With increasing penalties, Caps coaches trying to hold players accountable by making repeat offenders skate more at end of practice.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 12, 2017

The Capitals will hold a morning skate on Friday at 10:30AM at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. The latest schedule is here.

METROPOLITAN DIVISION STANDINGS
With last nights victory over the Penguins, the Caps moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division, just one point behind the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Caps now have their 2nd-most points through 41 games in franchise history, behind only last season.

INTERVIEWS
Barry Trotz after last nights game:

Coach Trotz on #Ovech1Kin and the 4-2 #CapsPens victory. pic.twitter.com/n99CWcTaY2

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 12, 2017

TJ Oshie

Rinkside Update | @tjoshie77 joins @waltoncaps to discuss his role in #Ovech1Kin. pic.twitter.com/3HYULX76Ch

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 12, 2017

SHAVINGS

• Nicklas Backstrom registered four points (1g, 3a) last night against Pittsburgh. Since he entered the NHL in 2007-08, Backstrom leads the League in three-assist games (33) and ranks tied for third in four-point games (17).
• Backstrom has earned 11 points (3g, 8a) in three games against the Penguins this season, marking the most points an NHL player has recorded against one team this season, and the most points a player has registered against the Penguins in one season since 2011-12.

If you’re scoring at home, and I sincerely hope you are, the #Caps have scored 14 goals vs. Pens in 16-17. NB19 has had hand in 11 of ’em.

— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) January 12, 2017

DAILY LINKS
A Grand Night (Mike Vogel)
Capitals’ John Carlson leaves practice early with ‘lower-body’ injury (WaPo)
Alex Ovechkin’s latest achievement hasn’t distracted from his ultimate goal (SI)
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 5, Pens 2 (Mike Vogel)

CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts, are now available. 100% of proceeds benefit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit dedicated to the families of the fallen. Hats and T-shirts both cost $20 and will be available at WashCaps.com/Courage, team stores and at stands throughout Verizon Center during home games. For more information, click here.

By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps

Congratulations @aleksandrovechkinofficial !!!

A post shared by NoVa Caps (@nova_caps) on Jan 11, 2017 at 5:33pm PST