Photo: Washington Capitals
The second half of the season is officially underway! Tonight the Capitals will take on the Islanders. This morning the team held their morning skate at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM and you can catch the game on CSN+.
MORNNG SKATE
After missing practice yesterday, due to traveling back from the All Star Game, Alex Ovechkin and Braden Holtby returned to practice this morning. John Carlson skated during yesterday’s practice and he will be back in the lineup tonight. Philipp Grubauer will get the start in goal.
Lines:
Lines:
8-19-77
90-92-14
10-20-65
26-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-88Grubauer in starter’s net.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 31, 2017
Carlson was also placed on the second power play unit while Niskanen was manning the first. Christian Djoos, one of two players who got called up from Hershey yesterday, was recalled as a precaution. He did get some valuable practice reps with the team the last two days, but it looks unlikely that he will make his NHL debut during this brief stint with the Capitals. He’s spending time here while the AHL is on their All Star break. The Bears don’t have another game until Friday.
Two-Man Advantage
Two-Man Advantage | @vogscaps and @waltoncaps preview tonight’s #CapsIsles matchup from New York. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/wdH6Hk59X8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 31, 2017
METROPOLITAN STANDINGS
GAME CHIPS
- Tonight is the fifth and final meeting between the Capitals and Islanders this season.
- The series is split at two games apiece.
- For a complete game preview, click here.
SHAVINGS
- Washington has posted a 12-1-1 record this month, marking it’s highest point percentage in the month of January in franchise history (.893).
- The Capitals have scored four or more goals in 12 of their last 15 games.
- The Caps have tallied a point in 15 of their last 16 games going 13-1-2 in that stretch.
- Washington has earned a point in 11 of their last 13 games against the Islanders.
- Alex Ovechkin has tallied 49 points (33 goals, 16 assists) in 45 career games against the Islanders, including 14 points (11 goals, 3 assists) in his last 13 games against the NYI.
- Philipp Grubauer, tonight’s starter, has won six of his last seven starts and earned point in nine of his last 10 games.
- Washington has earned a point in seven of it’s last eight road games and 13 of their last 15 away from DC.
- The Capitals lead the NHL in goals-against per game (2.08) and five-on-five goals against (62).
DAILY LINKS
Caps Get Back to Work in Brooklyn (Mike Vogel)
Caps Today and Top Game Notes, 1/31/17 (Capitals PR)
Stats From The First Half of the Season For The Capitals
A Breakdown of the Capitals Remaining Schedule
INTERVIEWS
Barry Trotz
Coach Trotz confirms Carlson/Grubauer in, discusses Johansson’s development and more after #CapsIsles morning skate. pic.twitter.com/qeV5rWDmrk
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 31, 2017
SCENES FROM BROOKLYN
It might be snowing here. pic.twitter.com/AdVGj9qnMu
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 31, 2017
Welcome back to our #CapsAllStars! @ovi8 @Holts170 #CapsIsles #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/sV6mUKpLeI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 31, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Our friends from @CapsYouthHockey have taken over recess today at our adopted school, @HendleyES! #CapsCare pic.twitter.com/RCrZNw7K0n
— MSE Foundation (@MSEFndn) January 31, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
