Photo: Washington Capitals
The Capitals held their morning skate today at Madison Square Garden, and finalized preparations for their game against the Rangers tonight. Their newest acquisition, Kevin Shattenkirk, arrived in New York and will suit up tonight. Puck drop is at 7 PM on CSN+.
MORNING SKATE
T.J. Oshie, Matt Niskanen, and Brooks Orpik practiced today. Even though Oshie practiced, he won’t play in tonight’s game.
#Caps lines: 8-19-43; 90-92-14; 10-20-13; and 26-83-24. Oshie looks to be out. #CapsRangers
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 28, 2017
Looks like Oshie is out. Vrana on a third line. Top two D pairs are: 27-74, 9-2. Bottom pair rotating, so would seem 22 goes somewhere there
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 28, 2017
Jakub Vrana and Riley Barber were recalled from Hershey. It looks like Vrana will replace Zach Sanford at right wing on the third line, and Barber play right wing on the 4th line.
Shattenkirk, who will play tonight, could be paired with Nate Schmidt on the third line. During power play drills, John Carlson was on the top unit at the point while Niskanen was with the second unit. Jakub Vrana was also on the second power play unit.
Just touched down in NYC for tonight’s game.. Let’s do this @Capitals! Caps fans see you Thursday night!
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) February 28, 2017
After practice, Barry Trotz confirmed that Niskanen will play tonight while Oshie and Orpik are still out.
Trotz said Shattenkirk on PP1. It’s Orlov that will end up taking the PP ice time hit. Probs will have Niskanen/Carlson on second unit.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 28, 2017
SCENES FROM NEW YORK
The media waits… #Capitals morning skate at MSG. @CSNCapitals pic.twitter.com/9p1xW3zUPY
— steve farrell (@capsbigbossman) February 28, 2017
Funny story. @ovi8 walks by @TarikCSN and @JoeBpXp gives fist tap. “Don’t worry guys, I’m still here.” @CSNCapitals pic.twitter.com/9DaPtGNt9G
— steve farrell (@capsbigbossman) February 28, 2017
GAME CLIPS
- Tonight is the third of four meetings between the Capitals and Rangers this season.
- The Capitals have dropped both of the previous two meetings to the Rangers.
- These teams will meet one final time on April 5 in DC.
SHAVINGS
- Braden Holtby has posted a 16-0-2 record in his last 20 games, including four shutouts, a 1.84 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.
- Barry Trotz is one win shy of becoming the sixth coach in NHL history to earn 700 wins.
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded 44 points (29 goals, 15 assists) in 46 career games against the Rangers and has scored a goal in 11 of his last 12 games against New York (13 goals).
- The Capitals lead the NHL in 5-on-5 goals (143), goals against (79) and goal differential (+64) this season.
- The Capitals are 18-3-1 when Justin Williams or Evgeny Kuznetsov record a point.
- Capitals defensemen have earned a point in 52 of the team’s 61 games this season and have combined to register 132 points (19 goals, 113 assists)
- Nicklas Backstrom has earned 33 points in his last 24 games (nine goals, 24 assists).
- The Capitals have posted a 28-6-4 record since Dec. 5 and have tallied a point in 24 of their last 28 games (21-4-3).
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes at NY Rangers, 2/28/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Take Another Crack at Rangers in NYC (Mike Vogel)
Highlights from Brian MacLellan’s Conference Call
All Aboard the Shattenkirk Train: How Did the Capitals Do in This Blockbuster Trade?
INTERVIEWS
Two-Man Advantage
.@VogsCaps and @WaltonCaps break down the trade for Kevin Shattenkirk and today’s game against the NY Rangers in Two-Man Advantage. #CapsNYRpic.twitter.com/EoXb5J7gAR
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 28, 2017
Barry Trotz
#Caps head coach Barry Trotz talks about the trade for Kevin Shattenkirk and tonight’s game in New York. #CapsNYR #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/aLxLYeElKj
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 28, 2017
Alex Ovechkin
#Caps captain Alex Ovechkin talks about the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk. #CapsNYR #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/8jfc4UETsF
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 28, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
