Photo: @Dougherty_jesse
On a day in the DMV where schools were closed and most outdoor sports practices were cancelled, the Capitals were hard at work this morning at Kettler. The team held a morning skate in advance of tonight’s battle between the top team in the east and the best team in the west. The Capitals will host the Wild tonight at Verizon Center with puck drop at 7 PM.
MORNING SKATE
Andre Burakovsky came on the ice early and skated with a few teammates. After injuring his hand last month, this is the first time he’s skating with the team. While he won’t play tonight, his return to game action looks like it’s getting closer.
The Caps lines are back to normal.
#Caps lines are the same: 8-19-77; 90-92-14; 10-20-13; and 26-83-43. D-pairs are 27-74; 9-2; and 44-88. Holtby in starter’s net. #CapsWild
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017
Braden Holtby was the first goalie off the ice which indicates he will get the start tonight for the Capitals. Burakovsky remained on the ice after the skate to get some extra work with assistant coaches Lane Lambert and Blaine Forsythe.
Burakovsky, who was on the ice during the morning skate, is getting in some extra work with assistants Lambert and Forsythe. pic.twitter.com/8xO8gIP42Q
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017
Burakovsky said he hopes to return next week but isn’t going to rush it.
Burakovsky (broken hand) says he hopes to return to the #Caps‘ lineup next week but won’t rush it. #CapsWild
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017
Burakovsky says shooting hard/stickhandling with his right hand still is a bit uncomfortable. But there’s daily progress. #CapsWild
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017
SCENE FROM KETTLER
East coast buried in snow… perfect day for hockey #CapsWild pic.twitter.com/fedHGjcV2b
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 14, 2017
GAME CHIPS
- Tonight is the first of two meetings between the Capitals and Wild this season.
- These teams will meet again in Minnesota on March 28th.
- The Wild are three points behind the Capitals for first place in the NHL.
SHAVINGS
- Tom Wilson will play in his 300th NHL game tonight.
- Braden Holtby and Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk are two of three goaltenders in the NHL to rank in the top five this season in goals-against average, save percentage, wins and shutouts.
- Washington has won three consecutive games against Minnesota and five of the last six home games against the Wild (5-1-0).
- Holtby leads the NHL in goals-against average (2.03) and shutouts (8) this season.
- The Capitals have earned a point in 20 of their sat 22 home games (19-2-1).
- T.J. Oshie has scored 26 goals on 113 shots this season and leads the NHL in shooting percentage (23.0%).
- The Capitals have scored 24 power play goals in their last 29 games, posting a 28.2% power play percentage during that span.
- Washington is 30-4-2 in games when they have one day of rest.
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes vs. Minnesota, 3/14/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Back Home to Host Wild (Mike Vogel)
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Our @Capitals St. Patrick’s Day Auction benefiting @anacostiaws is open. Bid now at https://t.co/YmdKNOyMfwpic.twitter.com/gh1xd5GvNX
— MSE Foundation (@MSEFndn) March 14, 2017
Caps St. Patricks Day Auction This Thursday 3/16
By Michael Marzzacco
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