The Capitals held an optional skate this morning to prepare for their game tonight against Connor McDavid and the Oilers. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Tonight is the first of another back-to-back set for the Capitals. They’ll be in Nashville tomorrow.
MORNING SKATE
Riley Barber and Aaron Ness, the latest call ups from Hershey, were on the Kettler ice this morning. It’s Barber’s first NHL call up and he could potentially make his debut tonight.
Hershey callup Riley Barber is here @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/9vkbS2ha0a
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) February 24, 2017
Hershey callup Aaron Ness is at the optional skate as well. He’s in the middle of a 2 on 1 @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/tGopq7zTKr
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) February 24, 2017
Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik weren’t on the ice for practice. Trtoz said after practice that Niskanen is ruled out for tonight’s game.
Orpik just walked out of locker room and is watching morning skate with his Russian brethren. Will get an update from Trotz on his status.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 24, 2017
Orpik will take part in warmups and whether he’ll play or not is a game time decision. If Orpik doesn’t play, Ness will fill in for him. Braden Holtby was the first goalie off the ice so he will start tonight while Philipp Grubauer will start tomorrow in Nashville.
SCENE FROM KETTLER
Welcome up @rileybarber94 and @Aaron_Ness #CapsOilers pic.twitter.com/vEvcC7cLo7
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2017
GAME CLIPS
- Tonight is the second and final meeting between the Capitals and Oilers this season.
- Edmonton won the first meeting back on Oct. 26 4-1.
- Check out our preview for tonight’s game here.
SHAVINGS
- The Capitals have posted a 24-5-1 record at home this season and have won 12 consecutive home games.
- The Caps have scored five or more goals in 11 straight home games.
- The Capitals have scored 19 power-play goals in their last 20 games.
- Nicklas Backstrom has earned 33 points in his last 22 games (9 goals, 24 assists) and has tallied a point in 19 of those 22 games.
- The Capitals’ win over the Flyers Wednesday night was their 40th win of the season. They are the first NHL team to reach the 40-win plateau this season.
- Washington leads the NHL in goals against (122), goals against per game (2.07), and five-on-five goals against (76).
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes vs. Edmonton, 2/24/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Come Home to Entertain Edmonton (Mike Vogel)
INTERVIEWS
Riley Barber
Caps Forward @rileybarber94 on his first @nhl call-up #CapsOilerspic.twitter.com/yEoen8Xmze
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2017
Rinkside Update: Taylor Chorney
Rinkside Update | Taylor Chorney plays the team that drafted him tonight and talks about it with @vogscaps #CapsOilers pic.twitter.com/GTAAhUcF8q
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
