The Capitals hit the ice on Wednesday morning at Kettler for a brief session before departing for St. Louis. The Caps take on the Blues Thursday night with puck drop at 8:00 PM.
PRACTICE:
All of the Caps dads were on hand to watch their sons practice. They’re here for the annual dads’ trip which will take them to St. Louis and Dallas.
Players’ dads are all over the place. On the bench. In the stands. Williams just yelled, “Hey Dad!” to his Pops on the way to the ice.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 18, 2017
T.J. Oshie says father-in-law will make trip to help w/ his father, Tim, who’s fighting Alzheimer’s. Osh thanked team for traveling both.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) January 18, 2017
John Carlson didn’t practice today after missing Monday’s game with a lower body injury.
Defense pairs:
9-2
44-88
27-4The way the pairs are constructed makes you think Carlson will play with Alzner tomorrow.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 18, 2017
Nate Schmidt was on the second power play. There weren’t any recalls from Hershey this morning which could indicate that the Caps could go on this two-game road trip with 12 forwards and seven defensemen. Trotz told reporters after practice that Carlson is doubtful for tomorrow night and the team will make a decision on whether to call up a defenseman tonight.
Nate Schmidt joins John Walton for today’s Rinkside Update.
Rinkside Update | @nateschmidt29 joins @waltoncaps to discuss the #CapsDads Road Trip. pic.twitter.com/Ana92yoqiF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 18, 2017
Alex Ovechkin on Pittsburgh officiating and upcoming road trip.
Ovi comments on the Penguins game from Monday and the upcoming #CapsDads Mentors Road Trip. pic.twitter.com/1WmtL5dkmF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 18, 2017
Karl Alzner On the Fathers Trip.
Caps Defenseman Karl Alzner talks about the boost the #CapsDads bring to a road trip. pic.twitter.com/NBCliEBOoF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 18, 2017
NEWS AND NOTES:
The Capitals will depart for St. Louis this afternoon. Prior to their game tomorrow night, they will hold a morning skate at Scottrade Center at 11:30 a.m. central time. The team departed early this afternoon on the annual “Dad’s” trip:
And we’re off! The #CapsDads trip is officially underway. First stop: St. Louis. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/A6oMJsYBN0
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 18, 2017
Caps Mentors Trip. My guest is long time friend & 30 yr “former Boss” at Miami U. Steve Cady. Worked together 30 yrs pic.twitter.com/Ps5iImfcGY
— Mitch Korn (@mitchkorncaps) January 18, 2017
SHAVINGS:
- Despite losing to Pittsburgh on Monday, the Capitals showed great heart battling back from two goals down twice in the game.
- Capitals defensemen have earned a point in 38 of the team’s 44 games this season and have combined to register 99 points.
- Since 2008, the Capitals have posted a 10-5-0 record with their dads in attendance.
- Washington has allowed two goals or fewer 30 times this season, including 17 of their last 22 games.
DAILY CAPS LINKS:
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Pens 8, Caps 7 (Mike Vogel)
SCENES FROM KETTLER
Back at it. @MedStarHealth practice. #CapsBlues tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/e8p7M3gus6
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 18, 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.
Capitals alumni Rod Langway and Sylvain Cote participated in MSE Foundations’ MLK Day “Play Works” event at Bunker Hill Elementary School on Monday. They were joined by members of the Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
