The last time the Washington Capitals practiced at Kettler, they were staring at a 3-1 series deficit. Four short days later, here we are. The Capitals rallied on home ice in Game 5 and dominated the Penguins in Pittsburgh in Game 6. Tonight, the Caps have an opportunity to not only complete the comeback, but also deliver a victory that DC fans both young and old have wanted for a long time. Puck drop is 7:30 pm.
MORNING SKATE
There were no changes to the Capitals lines at the skate. For the fifth game in a row they’ll go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Alex Ovechkin will once again be on the third line and was practicing in a white jersey.
For those asking, yes Alex Ovechkin was in a white jersey during practice which means same lines as previous 2 games #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/YuyfVZuey0
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
Here’s how the Capitals lines will look tonight:
Forwards
Burakovsky-Backstrom-Oshie
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Williams
Ovechkin-Eller-Wilson
Winnik-Beagle
Defense
Orlov-Niskanen
Orpik-Carlson
Schmidt-Shattenkirk
Alzner
Highlights:
Will TJ Oshie have a big game tonight? #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/jKi1pZFmVg
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
T.J. Oshie was on the ice early.
Brett Connolly, Taylor Chorney and Paul Carey working on front net presence @NoVa_Caps #CapsPens pic.twitter.com/wLpNth1Qi4
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
As was Brett Connolly, Taylor Chorney, and Paul Carey who worked on front net presence.
Everybody is here on the ice. Tonight is the biggest game ever #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/DHAbDuUosy
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
The rest of the team came on shortly after to begin the morning session.
Some drills along the boards #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/PpV7Woun66
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
The team worked on getting to the puck along the boards.
This man Justin Williams loves Game 7s. Hmmmmm 🤔#CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/lVU8kTUeCW
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
Justin Williams knows a thing or two about Game 7s.
2nd line putting in work #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/uhXF5K6IoF
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
2nd line.
Ovi changed back to red for the power play drills. He looks ready for the biggest game of his career #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/7Rz379IhBu
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
Ovechkin changed into red for the power play drills. He looked determined as he embarks on the biggest game of his life.
Nicklas Backstrom and Oshie are fast #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/tWae35rQ1g
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
Nicklas Backstrom and Oshie, along with the rest of the team, worked on speed drills.
Time to stretch. And the crowd just started warming up their vocal cords for tonight #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/hhThLd9gSb
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
The morning skate wrapped up with the team stretch and fans began warming their vocal cords for tonight.
Kevin Shattenkirk and Dmitri Orlov working on one-timers #CapsPens @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/XliaZeApr4
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) May 10, 2017
Dmitry Orlov would then work on his one-timer with help from Kevin Shattenkirk.
FROM THE OTHER SIDE
The Penguins held an optional skate at Verizon Center. Matt Murray was on the ice while Marc-Andre Fleury remained in the starter’s net. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that Murray is taking the next step in his recovery and is healthy enough to back up Fleury tonight. Sullivan also pointed out that if a player is healthy enough to dress, he is healthy enough to play.
GAME LINKS
Justin Williams’ ‘Calmness’ Can Serve the Capitals Well in Game 7 (Tommy Chalk/Japers’ Rink)
Opinion: Game 7 is About More Than Just One Series, It’s About the Legacy of a Rivalry (J.J. Regan)
Caps Today and Top Game Notes, 5/10/17
Sidney Crosby takes the fall for the NHL’s failed procedures (USA Today)
RINKSIDE UPDATE:
Mike Vogel chats with Jay Beagle in today’s Rinkside Update
Rinkside Update | Caps Center Jay Beagle is a Game 7 veteran. #CapsPens pic.twitter.com/W1UOkVv5DZ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 10, 2017
SHAVINGS:
- Tonight is the Capitals’ 15th Game 7 in franchise history and Washington’s sixth Game 7 in their last six years.
- Justin Williams has registered 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in seven career Game 7s and ranks first in NHL history in career Game 7 points and tied for first in Game 7 goals.
- In 20 career games facing elimination, Alex Ovechkin has registered 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) and Nicklas Backstrom has recorded 16 points (five goals, 11 assists).
COACHES QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Trotz on Game 7 approach: “Play smart. Play aggressive. Play your game.” #CapsPens
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) May 10, 2017
More Trotz: As I’ve said to them today, we’ve earned this opportunity. And all it is is an opportunity. Game 7s are special…enjoy it.”
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) May 10, 2017
FAN PIC OF THE DAY:
#JayTheBeagle will be rooting for the Caps tonight! @russianmachine @Capitals @CSNCapitals @NoVa_Caps #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/Zp9KVKnDAt
— Ryan Johnson (@HiMyNamesRyan) May 10, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
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