Capitals Daily Report: Caps Could Clinch Metropolitan Division and President’s Trophy Tonight

Posted on April 4, 2017 by
Photo: @Capitals

Yes, you heard that correctly. The Capitals can end the battle for the Metropolitan Division and turn their focus to the playoffs if two things happen tonight: Washington wins in Toronto in regulation or overtime and the Blue Jackets defeat the Penguins in any fashion. The Caps could also clinch if they defeat the Leafs via shootout and the Jackets defeat the Pens via a shootout. Puck drop for tonight’s game is at 7:30 p.m. 

MORNING SKATE
The Capitals held a morning skate at Air Canada Centre in Toronto ahead of their game with the Maple Leafs. The Capitals lineup remains the same:

Forwards
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Williams
Connolly-Eller-Burakovsky
Winnik-Beagle-Wilson

Defensemen 
Alzner-Carlson
Orlov-Niskanen
Orpik-Shattenkirk

With tonight being the first of a back-to-back set, Philipp Grubauer will get the start tonight while the Capitals will turn to Braden Holtby tomorrow night against the Rangers at Verizon Center.

SCENES FROM TORONTO

BEHIND ENEMY LINES
The Maple Leafs have a lot to play for tonight as well. They have a chance to clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Capitals in regulation or overtime and the Lightning lose to the Bruins tonight. They could also clinch if they defeat the Caps via a shootout and the Lightning lose to the Bruins in regulation.

GAME CHIPS

  • Tonight is the third and final meeting between Washington and Toronto this season. The Capitals are 1-1-0 vs. the Maple Leafs this season.
  • The Capitals have won six of their last seven games against the Maple Leafs and have earned a point in 10 of their last 12 games against Toronto (9-2-1).

SHAVINGS

  • Alex Ovechkin has recorded 59 points (33 goals, 26 assists) in 41 career games against the Maple Leafs.
  • The Capitals have an opportunity to win the William M. Jennings Trophy for the second time in franchise history (1983-84), an annual award given to goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. The Capitals lead the NHL in goals-against this season (178) and have a two-goal lead over second place Columbus (180).
  • Washington is 16-3-2 against the Atlantic Division this season.
  • Nicklas Backstrom has earned 17 points in his last 11 games, including an assist during Sunday’s win.
  • The Capitals are 21-12-6 on the road this season.
  • Braden Holtby earned his 41st win of the season on Sunday, tying the second-most wins in a season by a goaltender in franchise history.
  • Capitals defenseman have combined to record 142 assists this season, tied for the second-most assists in a season by Washington defensemen since 1994-95.

DAILY LINKS
Alex Ovechkin Says He’s Still Going to the Olympics
Game Notes at Toronto, 4/4/17 (Capitals PR)
Last Stop Before Home (Mike Vogel)

INTERVIEWS
Philipp Grubauer

Tom Wilson

Barry Trotz

By Michael Marzzacco

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Images from today's practice are up on our site.

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