The Capitals returned to the Kettler ice this afternoon for the first time since the All Star break . There was already some news this morning as two players were recalled from Hershey. John Carlson also returned to action as the team gets ready for what promises to be an exciting second half of the season. Tomorrow they’ll face the Islanders in Brooklyn. 

PRACTICE
Alex Ovechkin and Braden Holtby weren’t at practice today. They’re traveling back from LA from the All Star weekend festivities. John Carlson was back on the ice after he missed nearly two weeks of play with a lower body injury.

John Carlson is back on the ice @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/039OGSKocm

— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) January 30, 2017

Christian Djoos and Chandler Stephenson were recalled from Hershey this morning. This was Djoos first time practicing with the big boys.

Djoos practicing with the team after getting recalled from Hershey this morning @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/MnmGtMtQaD

— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) January 30, 2017

With Ovechkin absent, Stephenson took over for him on the top line while Brett Leonhardt, the team’s video coach, took over for Holtby.

Chandler Stephenson (in red) coming at you fast. He also was recalled from the Bears this morning @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/JiAnUma2nB

— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) January 30, 2017

The rest of the lines:

Caps lines:
18 (8 placeholder)-19-77
90-92-14
10-20-65
26-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-88
29-4

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 30, 2017

Trotz said after practice that there’s a chance Carlson is going to play tomorrow night against the Islanders and that if he doesn’t play tomorrow, he will on Wednesday against the Bruins. Trotz also said that Philipp Grubauer will start in goal tomorrow night.

Trotz also said Grubauer would start tomorrow against Isles. Would expect Holtby to then start vs. Bruins.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 30, 2017

Photos from today’s practice are here:

METROPOLITAN STANDINGS

SHAVINGS

• Chandler Stephenson has earned 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists) in 41 games with Hershey this season and ranks fifth on the team in assists and tied for sixth in points.
• Christian Djoos has earned 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 35 games with Hershey this season and ranks third on the team in assists and fifth in points.
• Djoos leads all Bears defensemen in points and assists while being tied for first in goals.

DAILY LINKS
Game Notes at NY Islanders, 1/31/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Get Back to Work in Brooklyn (Mike Vogel)
Barry Trotz Press Conference  (Monumental Sports Network)
Everybody’s Starry Eyed: 2017 NHL All Star Game Recap

INTERVIEWS

Justin Williams

#Caps forward Justin Williams talk with the media about the 2017 NHL All-Star Break and being back with the team. #CapsIsles #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/4o0ZMq8cUP

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 30, 2017

SCENES FROM KETTLER

John Carlson and Karl Alzner skating together today. #CapsIsles #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/tzcJlCbrwl

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 30, 2017

Welcome back #Caps, props before practice pic.twitter.com/AsKsTfmn8e

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) January 30, 2017

Drills @NoVa_Capspic.twitter.com/xpQjm8OxAg

— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) January 30, 2017

By Michael Marzzacco
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