The Capitals held an optional skate ahead of their Thursday night battle with the Devils. Tonight, Kevin Shattenkirk will make his Verizon Center debut. Puck drop is at 7 PM on CSN.
MORNING SKATE
Shattenkirk was one of the players in attendance at today’s optional skate. Tonight is his first game in front of Capitals fans at Verizon Center.
Shattenkirk says he’s looking forward to playing in front of “raucous” D.C. crowd. “I’m happy to be on the other side of things,” he said.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 2, 2017
Kevin Shattenkirk just told @carolmaloney4 that one of the first things the team showed in the video session is his fight with Williams.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 2, 2017
Braden Holtby was the first goalie off the ice which means he will get the start tonight against the Devils. Nate Scmidt, Taylor Chorney and T.J. Oshie were the last remaining players on the ice, staying on for extra work. Trotz said after practice that Oshie (upper body) won’t play tonight and that Brooks Orpik (lower body) is a possibility. Schmidt and Chorney are your likely healthy scratches.
Trotz also gave an update on Andre Burakovsky:
Trotz said Andre Burakovsky’s rehab for hand injury is on schedule. Said he’s going to get the hand looked at again today by the doctor.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 2, 2017
The Capitals have signed Lucas Johansen and Colby Williams, as well as Mason Mitchell. Johansen was the Capitals first round pick of last year’s NHL Draft, while Williams was selected in the sixth round in 2015. Mitchell has registered 14 points (12 goals, two assists) in 31 games with the University of Alaska-Anchorage this season.
DAILY QUOTE
Trotz’s message to the #Caps for stretch run: “Let’s not go around games. Let’s go through games. That’ll harden us for the playoffs.”
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 2, 2017
SCENES FROM KETTLER
Holts getting the start tonight for #CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/Eh55F3itst
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 2, 2017
Decked out in #CapsMilitaryNight gear. Bid on everything here: https://t.co/h3yq78flT1 pic.twitter.com/6M2HpJary4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 2, 2017
GAME CLIPS
- Tonight is the fourth and final meeting between the Capitals and Devils this season.
- Washington is 2-0-1 this season against the Devils having won both contests on the road.
- The Capitals have earned a point in 10 consecutive games against the Devils.
- Tonight Washington will go for their 14th consecutive win at Verizon Center.
SHAVINGS
- The Capitals are 25-5-1 at home this season.
- During their 13 game home winning streak, the Caps have outscored opponents 64-20.
- Braden Holtby stopped 29 of 30 shots on Tuesday night against the Rangers to earn his 32nd win of the season.
- Barry Trotz earned his 700th win on Tuesday night. Read more here.
- Marcus Johansson registered three points (two goals, one assist) on Tuesday against the Rangers, including his career-high 21st goal of the season.
- Nicklas Backstrom has earned 34 points in his last 25 games (10 goals, 24 assists).
- Washington leads the NHL in goals against (129), goals against per game (2.08) and five-on-five goals against (80).
- Washington leads the NHL in 5-on-5 goals this season with 146.
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes vs. New Jersey, 3/2/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Open Three-Game Homestand vs. Devils (Mike Vogel)
What’s the Fouss? The Dud Deadline: Winners and Losers
Capitals Fan From Germany Shares His “Capitals” Tour
Capitals Sign Lucas Johansen and Colby Williams
Capitals Sign Mason Mitchell
INTERVIEWS
Rinkside Update: Daniel Winnik
Rinkside Update | Daniel Winnik comments on the Caps’ trade moves and his own trade deadline experiences #CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/Bh0yzVZtUM
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 2, 2017
Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson on his first line minutes and the trade deadline #CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/nvpwTqBJUS
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 2, 2017
Barry Trotz
Coach Trotz confirms Oshie is out, Orpik is game-time decision and previews #CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/wdqbH0Zocd
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 2, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Donors Will Receive Nate Schmidt Bobbleheads At Capitals Blood Drive.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
