The Capitals got a thrilling win last night in shootout fashion to remain atop the NHL and the Metropolitan Division. Their win over the Blue Jackets was the Caps’ 30th home win of the season and their first home win in shootout fashion. Not looking back, the Caps held a practice today at Kettler and will welcome the Arizona Coyotes tomorrow night at Verizon Center.
PRACTICE
This morning Washington recalled Paul Carey from Hershey to give the team an extra forward.
“Any time you can get some Stanley Cup experience in you whether you’re with the team or playing on the ice it’s a great opportunity, so I’m looking forward to the possibility of that,” said Carey.
He’ll be with the Capitals for their game tomorrow night and the five-game road trip that follows. “I packed accordingly,” Carey added.
Even with the callup, there were no changes to the lines, but Carey was still on the ice practicing with the team on Friday.
Forwards
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Williams
Connolly-Eller-Burakovsky
Winnik-Beagle-Wilson
Defense
Alzner-Carlson
Orlov-Niskanen
Orpik-Shattenkirk
Brett Connolly is the Capitals’ nominee for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy that’s awarded by the NHL to a player who exhibits perseverance, dedication and sportsmanship.
“It’s hard to pass up an opportunity to play on a good team and a team that’s ‘all in’ to win the cup,” Connolly said. “I knew that I had to come in here and earn my spot, earn my ice time. Looking back at it, I’m happy that I did it. To come here with such a good group of guys and a great organization, and to be successful this year, it’s been a lot of fun.”
METROPOLITAN DIVISION STANDINGS
The Caps victory last night helped separate them from Pittsburgh and Columbus a little more in the tight Metropolitan Division standings. Each club has nine games left. Tonight the Penguins will host the Islanders while the Blue Jackets will host the Flyers on Saturday afternoon.
SHAVINGS
- With their win over the Blue Jackets last night, the Capitals tied their franchise mark for home wins in a season with 30. This was the third time they’ve won 30 home games with the previous two coming in the 1985-86 and 2009-10 seasons.
- For the second straight year, Braden Holtby tied Olie Kolzig for most home wins for a Washington goaltender in a season with his 25th win last night.
- Holtby is the first goaltender to win 25 home games in two straight seasons since Martin Brodeur did so in an NHL record three consecutive seasons (2005-08). (Elias Sports Bureau)
DAILY LINKS
Home Ice Advantage Tie-Breaking Status
Caps Take 2-1 Shootout Win Over Jackets (Mike Vogel)
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 2, Jackets 1 (SO) (Mike Vogel)
INTERVIEWS
Brett Connolly
Caps Forward Brett Connolly was nominated as the Washington representative for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. #RockTheRedpic.twitter.com/mQajVF5Wyb
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2017
Paul Carey
Caps forward Paul Carey comments on his recall from @TheHersheyBears. #CapsYotes pic.twitter.com/NPPVyC4wqh
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 24, 2017
CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
The Capitals and the MSE Foundation raised over $67,000 for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue through the sales of the 2017 Capitals Canine Calendar. Read more here.
Speaking of beloved canines, Ovi spent part of his Friday shopping for his Black Lab “Blaick”. (Video from @nastyashubskaya)
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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