Photo: Washington Capitals
The Capitals held an optional skate this morning at Kettler, to finalize preparations for their tilt against the Blackhawks tonight at Verizon Center. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.
The Caps go for their eighth win in a row tonight. If the Lightning beat the Blue Jackets tonight, the contest between the Capitals and Blackhawks could ultimately decide the top spot in the NHL. You can check out our game preview here.
MORNING SKATE
Wrapping up @MedStarHealth #CapsHawks morning skate with some slappers. pic.twitter.com/gNaBePOiIp
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 13, 2017
After John Carlson left yesterday’s practice early due to a lower body injury, he returned to practice this morning. Barry Trotz confirmed that he will play tonight.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, Tom Wilson, Daniel Winnik, Brett Connolly, Dmitry Orlov, Nate Schmidt, and Taylor Chorney were also on the ice for the optional skate. Braden Holtby will get the start for tonight’s game.
Looking ahead a bit … With Holtby starting tonight, *think* Grubauer gets start vs. Philly on Sunday, then Holtby in net at Pitt on Monday
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 13, 2017
Karl Alzner will play in his 500th consecutive game tonight, becoming the first Capitals player to ever play in as many consecutive consecutive games. He will also become just the third defenseman in the NHL since 1943-44 to play in 500 straight games.
Alzner, who will play consecutive game 500 tonight, joked that he didn’t skate this morning to be safe, will drive slowly to VC. #CapsHawks
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 13, 2017
INTERVIEWS
Karl Alzner
Caps Defenseman @karlalzner on his 500th consecutive game played tonight. #CapsHawks #CapsIronMan pic.twitter.com/cRIejDoab8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 13, 2017
Barry Trotz
Coach Trotz on tonight’s #CapsHawks matchup and the positive consistency that Karl Alzner brings to the lineup. pic.twitter.com/r6jH3TiR0c
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 13, 2017
Mike Vogel and John Walton
Two-Man Advantage | @vogscaps and @waltoncaps preview tonight’s #CapsHawks matchup. pic.twitter.com/wZSITjrLX1
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 13, 2017
SHAVINGS
- Washington has permitted the fewest first period goals in the league this season, allowing just 17 goals in the first frame of its first 41 games. (Mike Vogel)
- Washington has won five of it’s last six games against Chicago and has posted an 8-3-0 record in it’s last 11 games against the Blackhawks
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes vs. Chicago, 1/13/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Seek to Keep Streak Alive Against Hawks (Mike Vogel)
Amid toughest stretch of the schedule, the Capitals are hitting their stride (Washington Post)
Alex Ovechkin’s latest achievement hasn’t distracted from his ultimate goal (SI)
SKATE SHAVINGS: News and Notes From Caps’ Morning Skate (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, Kettler, and at stands throughout Verizon Center during home games. For more information, click here.
Watch @ABC2NEWS at 5 p.m. today for @StepnerABC2‘s piece on #CourageCaps and the impact it has on a Baltimore @TAPSorg family pic.twitter.com/eMAbQf5H78
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 13, 2017
THIS DATE IN CAPITALS HISTORY
This date #Caps history (Jan.13,2006): Alex Ovechkin earns 1st of his 16 career hat tricks in 3-2 OT win in Anaheim https://t.co/OWnkMvZKjg pic.twitter.com/f8NMD0xdWe
— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) January 13, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
