The Capitals returned to the practice rink at Kettler to gear up for the final two games of the regular season. The Capitals will travel to Boston to take on the Bruins on Saturday, before wrapping up the regular season at home Sunday night against the Panthers.
It’s still unclear who the Capitals will play in the first round:
Strange but true: Two days left in the regular season, and WSH could still play one of five teams (OTT, BOS, TOR, NYI, TB) in round one.
— John Walton (@WaltonCaps) April 7, 2017
PRACTICE
John Carlson and Brett Connolly weren’t on the ice for practice. Carlson missed the last two games with an undisclosed lower-body injury. Connolly couldn’t practice because he was sick. Paul Carey was in his place on the third line.
Brett Connolly isn’t practicing today either. Paul Carey is on the 3rd line @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/jgS6raxZy3
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) April 7, 2017
During special teams drills, the Capitals worked on 5-on-3 power plays and swapped Williams with Johansson on the first and second unit. With that, the top power play unit now has two righties (Williams and Oshie) and two lefties (Johansson and Kuznetsov).
Neither Carlson nor Connolly will travel with the team to Boston, according to Trotz. Carey was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts and his parents will be in the stands tomorrow afternoon to watch their son play. Connolly is expected to return to action on Sunday. Trotz also said that Taylor Chorney will play in one of the final two games. Even though the Capitals have clinched every possible thing before the postseason, Trotz still wants his team to play hard the last two games.
“I said three things to the guys after the skate today: be on the plane, let’s make sure we play right and let’s finish strong,” said Trotz.
Photos from today’s practice can be seen here:
SCENES FROM KETTLER
Go Caps! A few pics as they prepare for their game against the Bruins on Saturday afternoon…@NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/2ziAfotHo9
— Debbie Pierce (@HokieGirl4Ever) April 7, 2017
Final practice of the regular season @NoVa_Capspic.twitter.com/YWuV0A1BNg
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) April 7, 2017
An Ovechkin goal:
Ovi scores as the puck trickles past Holtby @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/4h4EoZlDcl
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) April 7, 2017
Caps are having an awesome practice and the fans are enjoying it…@NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/6oThxR0nlW
— Debbie Pierce (@HokieGirl4Ever) April 7, 2017
Wrapping up @MedStarHealth prax. On to Boston. #CapsBruins pic.twitter.com/Q0qJHPO8E3
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 7, 2017
Special teams drills: Alzner clears it @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/YJbLKSuucR
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) April 7, 2017
It’s that time of year again. #Caps playoff merchandise is already on the shelves of the team store @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/aNQ9XUp28N
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) April 7, 2017
This little one had the thrill of a lifetime, skating with Ovi:
This little kid just skated with Ovi @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/OlKUGjAVrI
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) April 7, 2017
SHAVINGS
- The Capitals cliched the Presidents’ Trophy for the third time in franchise history and the second consecutive year with their 2-0 win over the Rangers on Wednesday.
- This marked the seventh time in NHL history that a team won the Presidents’ Trophy in consecutive seasons.
- The Capitals also clinched the top spot in the east, the fourth time the Caps have finished the regular season in first place in their conference (2009-10, 2010-11, 2015-16, and 2016-17).
DAILY LINKS
Game Notes at Boston, 4/8/17 (Capitals PR)
John Carlson not the only Cap ruled out for Bruins game (Tarik El-Bashir/CSN)
Wizards and Caps close regular season with historic milestone (Troy Machir/CSN)
INTERVIEWS
Caps locker room (WashingtonCaps.com)
Barry Trotz press conference (Monumental Sports Network)
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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