Photo: @RealSmokinAl
Coming off a big 4-1 road win over the Rangers on Tuesday night, the Capitals returned home to prepare for Thursday’s game against the Devils. The newest player to don the red, white and blue, practiced in his new home for the first time Wednesday morning. Today was also the NHL trade deadline.
PRACTICE
All players were in attendance at practice this morning, with the exception of Andre Burakovsky, who is still on the long-term injured reserve list. Brooks Orpik and Kevin Shattenkirk took rushes on the third defensive line. Shattenkirk also spent time after practice feeding Ovechkin.
Feed practice with @shattdeuces and @ovi8 pic.twitter.com/rY6DOgKSEs
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2017
The extra defensemen were Nate Schmidt and Taylor Chorney. T.J. Oshie was rotated back into the first line, rotating with Tom Wilson at the right wing spot. Oshie however didn’t partake in power play drills.
Head Coach Barry Trotz said after practice that Oshie and Orpik are close to returning to action.
Trotz said Oshie and Orpik are both “close.” If they’re not completely healthy, Caps won’t play them because they have luxury of caution.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 1, 2017
Oshie (upper body) joked that his injury status is “hour to hour.” #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 1, 2017
Riley Barber and Jakub Vrana have been “returned” to Hershey.
TRADE DEADLINE
The Capitals traded Hershey Bears goaltender Joe Cannata to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Cody Corbett.
Cannata didn’t work out, and Caps already got Pheonix Copley. https://t.co/RpH4mXOJfy
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 1, 2017
SCENES FROM KETTLER
.@JVranaa ripping shots before today’s @MedStarHealth practice pic.twitter.com/MNGe8F1YsC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2017
First time on @KettlerIceplex ice for @shattdeuces#RockTheRedpic.twitter.com/y7OcvNjSsC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2017
Hi guys #RockTheRedpic.twitter.com/R0p44mWr2A
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2017
.@TarikCSN is ready. Are you? It’s time for NHL Trade Deadline Live on Facebook. Head over RIGHT NOW! https://t.co/0xXbP18RRE pic.twitter.com/aYbjfu0UEf
— CSN Capitals (@CSNCapitals) March 1, 2017
Deep preparations underway for today’s #CapsTalk trade deadline show. @BenRaby31 already with his game face on. pic.twitter.com/yCUrdlmGNA
— John Walton (@WaltonCaps) March 1, 2017
SHAVINGS
- Braden Holtby has been named the NHL’s Third Star of the Month for February. The Holtbeast went 8-0-1 with a 1.88 goals-against average, a .928 save percentage and one shutout.
- Barry Trotz became the sixth coach in NHL history to earn 700 wins after the Capitals beat the Rangers 4-1 on Tuesday.
- Brett Connolly scored his 13th goal of the season, passing his career-high of 12 that he set during the 2014-15 season.
- Marcus Johansson’s two goals last night were his 20th and 21st of the season. It is the second consecutive season and second time in his career that he’s scored 20 goals.
- Johansson is the third Capitals player to reach the 20-goal plateau this season, joining Alex Ovechkin (27) and T.J. Oshie (24)
DAILY LINKS
Caps Top Rangers, 4-1 (Mike Vogel)
INTERVIEWS
Kevin Shattenkirk
Kevin Shattenkirk talks after his first practice at home in Washington D.C. #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/qAVO1Jh0y3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2017
Barry Trotz
Head Coach Barry Trotz comments on the d-pairs and NHL trade deadline after Wednesday’s practice #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/YdRW4C9vOV
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation raised $14,130 for the You Can Play Project through an auction on Hoceky is For Everyone Night on Feb. 24 during the Capitals game against the Edmonton Oilers. With the donation made earlier this season through the sale of Capitals #RockTheRainbow T-shirts, MSE Foundation has raised more than $30,000 for You Can Play. Read more here.
THIS DAY IN CAPITALS HISTORY
20yrs ago today (Mar.1,1997): #Caps acquire Adam Oates, Rick Tocchet & Bill Ranford from #Bruins for Jason Allison, Anson Carter & Jim Carey pic.twitter.com/ws1wacXkVI
— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) March 1, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
