After a day off to recharge on Thursday, the Capitals returned to the ice at Kettler for a final practice before departing for Montreal. The Caps will take on the Canadiens Saturday afternoon at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is 1:00PM.
Photo: Liam Wells
PRACTICE
Prior to practice, the Capitals recalled Jakub Vrana from Hershey. This is Vrana’s second time getting recalled this season. Trotz had stated in the past that the Capitals intend to have him on the roster come playoff time.
Justin Williams returned to practice today after missing Wednesday’s game vs. the Bruins, so it looks like Jakub Vrana’s call up is as a precaution. Williams is likely going to play tomorrow against the Canadiens. Vrana was asked about the callup following Friday morning’s practice.
“Just staying ready to play, stay in shape and see what’s going to happen. It’s nice to be here (in Washington) and just wait for a chance,” said Jakub Vrana.
Practice Lines:
Lines in practice:
8-19-77
90-92-14
10-20-65
26-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-88Vrana not even rotating in.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 3, 2017
Williams told reporters following practice that he wasn’t sure if he’s playing tomorrow but said he felt better today than Wednesday. “Here’s the process: I practice, I tell them how I feel- talk with the coaches, talk with the training staff, and we make a decision. We’ll make that decision tomorrow morning,” said Williams.
Trotz told reporters after practice that “he’s in”, meaning Williams will in fact play in the game tomorrow afternoon against Montreal.
EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS
SHAVINGS
- Alex Ovechkin scored his 550th goal during Wednesday’s win over Boston on the power play where he passed Wayne Gretzky (204) for 15th place on the all-time NHL power play goals list.
- Ovechkin’s 550th goal passed Ron Francis (549) for 27th place on the NHL goals list.
- Nicklas Backstrom’s three-point night on Wednesday moves him up to 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) in 51 games this season.
DAILY LINKS
Capitals to Honor Ovechkin with Pre-game Ceremony Prior to Sunday’s Game (Capitals PR)
Caps Today, 2/3/17 (Capitals PR)
Capitals Recall Vrana from Hershey
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 5, Bruins 3 (Mike Vogel)
THIS DATE IN CAPITALS HISTORY
THIS DATE IN 1999: @Capitals set NHL records scoring 8 goals in 9:34 span & 9 in 11:32 (Bondra hat trick). https://t.co/uQEUU9BtU6 #NHL100 pic.twitter.com/2LPkeBYDlM
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 3, 2017
This date #Caps history (Feb.3,2006): Rookie Mike Green nets 1st career goal (beating future Hall-of-Famer Ed Belfour) in 4-1 win vs #Leafs pic.twitter.com/QDtelLtjaQ
— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) February 3, 2017
INTERVIEWS
Justin Williams
.@justinwilliams gives an update on his status for tomorrow’s game in Montreal #CapsHabs pic.twitter.com/HROoG5OobE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 3, 2017
Jakub Vrana
.@JVranaa discusses his call up from @thehersheybears before taking off for Montreal #CapsHabs pic.twitter.com/aNgzT6vNkE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 3, 2017
Rinkside Update: Lars Eller
Rinkside Update | Lars Eller discusses the success of their “Third Line” #CapsHabs pic.twitter.com/gJvECkHPA6
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 3, 2017
SCENES FROM KETTLER
Welcome back @JVranaa! @MedStarHealth practice, then off to Montreal #CapsHabs pic.twitter.com/s2oDKwTPIJ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 3, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
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