Photo: Kelly L. Cox/USA Today Sports
The Capitals begin their western road trip tonight in San Jose, California, when they take on the Western Conference champions Sharks at SAP Center. Puck drop for those of us in the DC area is at 10:30 PM.
MORNING SKATE
Everybody was on hand for the morning skate at SAP Center except for Andre Burakovsky, who is continuing to rehab back home at Kettler. The lines remain the same and Braden Holtby will get the start tonight. In the Barry Trotz era, the Holtbeast is undefeated in starts after he gets pulled.
Alex Ovechkin hasn’t been himself lately. He hasn’t scored an even strength goal in 15 games. If he goes scoreless tonight, he would tie a career-long drought. Trotz has even considered making changes to the top six forwards.
Trotz said he wants to see if Ovechkin can snap out of it tonight. If not, he may make adjustments to lines during tonight’s game.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 9, 2017
More on the Ovechkin drought and potential line changes from Washington Post here:
SCENES FROM SAN JOSE
Everyone’s on the ice for morning skate in San Jose. pic.twitter.com/quA0sw6kih
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 9, 2017
West side! #CapsSharks#RockTheRedpic.twitter.com/ixIr10JTPM
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 9, 2017
Still my favorite Caps @ Sharks pics. pic.twitter.com/2fSibk4XOG
— Japers’ Rink (@JapersRink) March 9, 2017
GAME CHIPS
- Tonight is the second and final meeting between the Capitals and Sharks this season.
- The Sharks defeated the Caps 3-0 in D.C. back on Election Night.
- For NoVa Caps game preview, click here.
SHAVINGS
- Nicklas Backstrom earned two points on Monday against Dallas with one goal and one assist, marking his team-leading 17th multi-point game of the season and 193rd of his career.
- Braden Holtby leads the NHL in goals-against average (1.93) and shutouts (8) this season.
- Alex Ovechkin has registered 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 15 career games against the Sharks and has earned five points in his last four games against San Jose.
- T.J. has scored 25 goals on 110 shots this season and leads the NHL in shooting percentage (22.7%).
- Capitals defensemen have earned a point in 56 of the team’s 65 games this season and have combined to register 143 points (20 goals, 123 assists).
- The Caps haven’t allowed a power play goal in four consecutive games.
- Washington is ranked tied four fourth in the NHL in penalty kill percentage this season (85.0%).
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes at San Jose, 3/9/17 (Caps PR)
Caps Start California Trip in San Jose (Mike Vogel)
Power ‘On’: Capitals’ Power Play is Heating Up
With Alex Ovechkin in a drought, Capitals considering line changes (WaPo)
INTERVIEWS
Barry Trotz
Head Coach Barry Trotz after today’s #CapsSharks morning skate in San Jose. pic.twitter.com/Wc46tGsRfv
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 9, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Watch: New ‘Cooking With the Caps’ Cookbook Highlights Players’ Favorite Recipes, Benefits @dcck: https://t.co/ti40zlGag0 via @nbcwashington
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 9, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
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