Photo: @Capitals

Kevin Shattenkirk‘s two game suspension is over. As a result, there’s been a heated debate among Caps Nation on which blueliner should be scratched. Today, Barry Trotz made his decision. Oh yeah, and there’s also a game tonight. The Capitals will host the Predators with a 7 PM puck drop. 

MORNING SKATE
Andre Burakovksy, just like the other day, was skating with the team. He won’t return to game action yet, but we should expect to see him soon. The forward lines were the same. Now that Shattenkirk is back, he’s paired on the third defensive line next to (drumroll)… Brooks Orpik. Nate Schmidt and Taylor Chorney look to be the healthy scratches for tonight’s game. Braden Holtby will start tonight in goal.

Lines:
8-19-77
90-92-14
10-20-13
26-83-43
27-74
9-2
44-22

So, Schmidt and Chorney are out.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 16, 2017

Trotz’s explanation?

Trotz: “Our top six are what they are you’re going to see tonight. That’s our top six. Nate is seven.” #Caps

— JJ Regan (@JJReganCSN) March 16, 2017

Jay Beagle broke his nose on Tuesday night after he was in a collision with Schmidt, but he told Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post that he’s alright. Not the first time either.

Beagle says his nose is indeed broken. Said he’s probably broken it five or six times. But s’all good.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 16, 2017

Trotz said after the skate that Burakovsky is expected to fully practice with the team tomorrow. Following the practice, the team will make a decision on whether or not he’ll join them in Tampa Bay Saturday.

Burakovsky (hand) is expected to participate fully in tomorrow’s practice, Trotz said. Big step for the winger in his recovery.

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 16, 2017

GAME CHIPS

• Tonight is the second and final meeting between the Capitals and Predators this season.
• Washington looks to rebound tonight after falling to the Predators in the first meeting on Feb. 25 in Nashville 5-2.
• For Mike Vogel’s game preview click here.

SHAVINGS

• Karl Alzner is two assists away from 100 in his career.
• Nicklas Backstrom assisted on three of the four Capitals goals on Tuesday night, including his 50th of the season.
• This season is Backstrom’s fourth consecutive in reaching the 50 assist plate and the seventh time he’s done so in his career.
• The Capitals have led the NHL in wins (146), points (318), goals against per game (2.31), and power play percentage (22.9) ever since Barry Trotz took over as head coach (2014-15).
• The Capitals have earned a point in 21 of their last 23 home games.
• Braden Holtby leads the NHL in goals-against average (2.03) and shutouts (8) this season.
• The Capitals have won nine of their last 14 games against the Predators including five of the last six against them on home ice.

DAILY LINKS
Game Notes vs. Nashville, 3/16/17 (Capitals PR)
Caps Face Predators on Thursday (Mike Vogel)

INTERVIEWS
Rinkside Update: Nicklas Backstrom

Rinkside Update | Nicklas Backstrom discusses the tight standings and tonight’s #CapsPreds matchup. pic.twitter.com/8kRKQW59m2

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2017

Barry Trotz

Caps Head Coach Barry Trotz talks prior to tonight’s game against the Nashville Predators. #CapsPreds#RockTheRedpic.twitter.com/TKdXwyNEWE

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2017

Braden Holtby

“There’s a lot of things we did against Minnesota that are going in the right direction.” – Holtby after #CapsPreds morning skate pic.twitter.com/4dOJfrZcP5

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2017

Two-Man Advantage

Two-Man Advantage | @vogscaps and @waltoncaps preview tonight’s #CapsPreds tilt. pic.twitter.com/zraT0FR9Rp

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2017

By Michael Marzzacco
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