After a big 4-1 win over the Flyers Wednesday night in Philedelphia, the Capitals returned to practice at Kettler on Thursday. The Capitals now turn their focus to another back-to-back set of games this weekend, starting Friday night when the team welcomes Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to Verizon Center.
PRACTICE
The Capitals announced this morning that they have re-assigned Travis Boyd to Hershey.
Matt Niskanen did not practice today. Niskanen was injured in last night’s game against the Flyers. and is now listed as day-to-day. Brooks Orpik didn’t practice as well, taking a maintenance day.
Orpik is not practicing. Maintenance day for a lower body ailment.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 23, 2017
Before the team took the ice, General Manager Brian MacLellan met with reporters, where he discussed Niskanen’s injury, the trade deadline, the playoff format, and more. After practice, Barry Trotz also addressed the media:
Although the #Caps won’t rush Niskanen, Trotz did not rule the Dman out tomorrow vs. the #Oilers. “Possibility, yeah,” Trotz said.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 23, 2017
The Capitals recalled Riley Barber and Aaron Ness from Hershey. For Barber, this is his first recall. Washington also placed Andre Burakovsky on injured reserve to free up roster space.
While the Capitals did recently acquire defenseman Tom Gilbert via a trade with the Kings, Trotz wants him to spend more time in Hershey before the Capitals take a look at him.
SCENES FROM KETTLER
.@Holts170 rockin’ the #HockeyIsForEveryone mask at practice today. Bid on it here: https://t.co/QI1a7OKVbc pic.twitter.com/e4tiEtxFC3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2017
Plenty of support for @YouCanPlayTeam at today’s @Capitals practice. pic.twitter.com/LRPZpRLD3e
— Puck Buddys (@PuckBuddys) February 23, 2017
SHAVINGS
- Braden Holtby stopped 33 of 34 shots on Wednesday at Philadelphia to earn his 30th win of the season. He is one of two goaltenders in the NHL to earn 30 wins in each of the last three seasons (Devan Dubnyk).
- Holtby is the second goalie in franchise history to record three career 30-win seasons. Olie Kolzig did it five times.
- The Capitals are the first team in the NHL to reach 40 wins this season thanks to their 4-1 win over the Flyers last night.
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Capitals’ Better Halves Gift Basket Auction This Friday (2/24)
Just added @PrideTape player-used sticks to our @Capitals #CapsHIFE auction benefiting @YouCanPlayTeam. Bid now at https://t.co/4hZMj1w8Sr pic.twitter.com/130g0PkcVe
— MSE Foundation (@MSEFndn) February 23, 2017
DAILY LINKS
Matt Niskanen Injury Update
Capitals Re-assign Travis Boyd to Hershey
Samsonov Wins Game 1 of First Round
Upon Further Review: The Capitals Video Review Coaches Are “The Best In The League”
Caps Flip Flyers 4-1 (Mike Vogel)
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 4, Flyers 1 (Mike Vogel)
INTERVIEWS
Brian MacLellan
#Caps senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan talks one-on-one with @VogsCaps a week before the 2017 NHL Trade Deadline. pic.twitter.com/ywtwvSccPj
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2017
Rinkside Update: Jay Beagle
Rinkside Update | Jay Beagle sits down with @waltoncaps about their first win after the bye week. pic.twitter.com/x1mo6gqAyU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
