The Capitals are back in the playoffs after beating the Lightning 5-3 on Saturday night. Monday morning the team held practice at Kettler to get ready for the week ahead. Tuesday night the Caps host a red-hot Flames team that has won 12 of their last 13 games. On Thursday night, the Capitals host their Metro rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
PRACTICE
Marcus Johansson, who left Saturday’s game early with the flu, has fully recovered and was on the ice for practice today. However, Brooks Orpik was absent on Monday. The team said he was taking a maintenance day. Barry Trotz said after practice that Orpik is “probable” for tomorrow night, and that Orpik “got banged up a bit” during Saturday’s game against the Lightning. If Orpik doesn’t play tomorrow, it would be the fourth game he has missed this season. The other three games missed were due to a leg infection. Should Orpik sit tomorrow, expect to see Nate Schmidt in his place, paired with Kevin Shattenkirk.
Player Updates:
T.J. Oshie met with the media after practice on Monday. Oshie, who had a hat trick on Saturday, was asked about his current contract status. Oshie noted he is “living in the present”.
When asked about his contract, Oshie did acknowledge that he’s thought about it but that his mindset is ‘extremely present.’ #Caps
— JJ Regan (@JJReganCSN) March 20, 2017
Oshie added, “It’s always in the back of your mind, where you’re going to be, because I have a family to think about (he has a wife and two daughters). But I’m just approaching every day the same, to have fun at the rink, get better and do something special.”
One of the Caps biggest pieces on the third line returned to the lineup on Saturday night. Andre Burakovsky looked good in his return, despite the five-week layoff. Andre told CSN’s Tarik El-Bashir that he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
So, Daniel Winnik, the divisional playoff format …
“It’s stupid. It’s the stupidest thing ever.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 20, 2017
SCENES FROM KETTLER
Daniel Winnik and Tom Wilson getting in some skills work ahead of the #Caps team practice. pic.twitter.com/Rd8LADW5pM
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 20, 2017
#Flow @andreburakovsky pic.twitter.com/tVNrL5hP7U
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 20, 2017
See, here’s the Schmidtuation… pic.twitter.com/ZjwegBbqEt
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) March 20, 2017
SHAVINGS
- With their win over the Lightning Saturday, the Capitals were the first team in the NHL this season to reach 100 points (46-17-8) and first team to clinch a berth in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs.
- This season will mark Washington’s 27th postseason appearance and ninth in the last 10 seasons.
- The Capitals reached 100 points for the third consecutive season and the 10th time in franchise history.
INTERVIEWS
Rinkside Update presented by @AccessibleMeds | @karlalzner talks about schedule to close out the regular season. pic.twitter.com/G5BT9DYVJx
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 20, 2017
DAILY LINKS
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 5, Bolts 3 (Mike Vogel)
Penguins, Blue Jackets Both Win Sunday, Keep Up Pressure On Caps (J.J. Regan/CSN)
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Read: @MSEFndn St. Patrick’s Day Auction Raises Nearly $40,000 for @anacostiaws: https://t.co/XFekX7cUfF
Images: https://t.co/HygBW5Q0ZWpic.twitter.com/ncRGOcbAxQ— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 20, 2017
Don’t forget #CapsFanWeek starts tomorrow with enter to win prizes, team store discounts & Verizon Center giveaways! https://t.co/JkYmckBPC2
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 20, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo