After a big 5-0 home win over the Flyers, the Capitals go for their 10th win in a row tonight as they take on the Penguins for the final time this regular season. The Caps held an optional skate this morning at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM on NBCSN.
OPTIONAL SKATE:
There weren’t many players on the ice this morning, perhaps because those players that were absent are resting up for the big game tonight. For more information on the matchup between the Capitals and Penguins, check out our game preview here.
Caps’ optional skate in Pittsburgh looking exceptionally optional. On ice: Both goalies, Chorney, Stephenson, Winnik, Wilson and Burakovsky.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 16, 2017
On the ice this morning were both goalies, Taylor Chorney, Chandler Stephenson, Daniel Winnik, Tom Wilson and Andre Burakovksy.
After Philipp Grubauer got the start in the Sunday matinee, Braden Holtby gets the start tonight in Pittsburgh. John Carlson, who left the game Sunday in the first period with a lower body injury, wasn’t on the ice for the optional skate. Trotz confirmed that he will not play tonight.
Carlson is out tonight. Trotz said he expects him to be in against St. Louis.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 16, 2017
There are injuries on the enemy side as well. Kris Letang has been placed on injured reserve and their defenseman Brian Dumoulin is out with a broken jaw.
Barry Trotz after practice:
Coach Trotz confirms Carlson out and day-to-day, Chorney in and previews tonight’s #CapsPens matchup in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/BJfnekpvPI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 16, 2017
Caps Red Line
Get ready for the #CapsPens & the #Caps attempt at 10 straight wins in Pittsburgh with Crash the Net, presented by @Geico. pic.twitter.com/n5P5Y6cGC7
— MonumentalSportsNet (@MonSportsNet) January 16, 2017
Mike Vogel and John Walton
Two-Man Advantage | @vogscaps and @waltoncaps preview tonight’s #CapsPens matchup from Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/10UNQ5sTI3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 16, 2017
NEWS AND NOTES:
The NHL announced that Nicklas Backstrom was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week after leading the league with three goals and seven assists in four games. He also had a +7 rating.
SHAVINGS:
- For the first time in franchise history, the Capitals have posted four shutouts in their last six games. (Elias Sports Bureau)
- The Caps haven’t allowed an even-strength goal since Jan. 3 against Toronto.
- Washington has allowed two goals or fewer in 17 of their last 21 games.
- The Capitals have earned a point in four straight games against the Penguins and in four of their last five games at Pittsburgh.
DAILY CAPS LINKS:
Caps Blank Philly to Run Winning Streak to Nine (Mike Vogel)
Caps Finish Season’s Set with Pens (Mike Vogel)
Monumental Sports Network Top 1
Plenty of moments to go around in the #CapsPens rivalry, but what’s the best from just this season? Find out in #Top1 pic.twitter.com/81z6rudRbg
— MonumentalSportsNet (@MonSportsNet) January 16, 2017
CAPITALS DAILY QUOTE:
Trotz shrugged when asked about being in first place in the NHL. It’s just the halfway point, he said. #CapsPens
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 16, 2017
SCENE FROM PITTSBURGH
Both #Caps goalies are in attendance, working with Coach Korn. #CapsPens pic.twitter.com/AlnuLiVAp1
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 16, 2017
THIS DAY IN CAPS HISTORY
It was a goal so magnificent, even @Ovi8 himself can’t explain how it happened. #NHL100 @Bridgestone
Full story: https://t.co/oRgxpQcJGh pic.twitter.com/m5N8tExzcZ
— NHL (@NHL) January 16, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts, are now available. 100% of the 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 Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
