Photo: @Capitals
The Capitals (4-4-1) held a morning skate at Rogers Arena in Vancouver ahead of their game tonight against the Vancouver Canucks (5-3-1). Tonight’s game marks the first game of a critical road stretch for the Capitals, as it is the first of three games in four nights. Puck drop is at 10:00 PM on NBC Sports Washington. The Capitals will conclude the road trip this weekend in Edmonton on Saturday and Calgary on Sunday.
NEWS
Nicklas Backstrom did not skate with the team due to an illness. His status for tonight is a game-time decision.
THE LATEST LINES
With Backstrom’s potential absence, the second line of Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Alex Chiasson has become the first line. Hershey recall Chandler Stephenson, who was brought up with Andre Burakovsky’s injury, skated on the second line. The defensive pairs remained the same as yesterday.
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Chiasson
Wilson-Stephenson-Oshie
Connolly-Eller-Vrana
Walker-Beagle-DSP
Djoos-Carlson
Orpik-Bowey
Orlov-Chorney
The top power play unit was adjusted due to Backstrom’s unknown status tonight.
With no Backstrom, PP1 now includes Alex Chiasson on the goal line. Kuznetsov at the half wall.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) October 26, 2017
INTERVIEWS
#Caps head coach on the possibility of playing tonight’s game with Backstrom (illness) from morning skate in Vancouver. #CapsNucks #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/iVVGMGN8ZC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 26, 2017
FROM THE OTHER SIDE
The Canucks (5-3-1) have been on a roll of late, securing eight of a possible 10 points. Vancouver returns home after a road win over the Wild on Tuesday night. The Canucks held an optional skate that was attended by 12 players and both goaltenders.
Head Coach Travis Green facing the media earlier today in Vancouver. The @Capitals are in town. Coverage on @NBCSWashington begins at 9 pm E pic.twitter.com/Jjisi9kLQP
— Joe Beninati (@JoeBpXp) October 26, 2017
Head coach Travis Green mentioned that Loui Eriksson and Alexander Edler, both with knee injuries that sideline them from four-to-six weeks, skated today.
SHAVINGS
- The Capitals are 44-39-9-1 all-time against the Canucks and 5-3-0 over the last eight meetings.
- Washington has won four consecutive games against the Canucks (Oct. 22 , 2015-Dec. 11, 2016), marking their longest winning streak against Vancouver since they won five straight games from March 12, 1996 to March 28, 1998.
- T.J. Oshie has earned 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 25 career games against the Canucks, marking the sixth-most points he has earned against an NHL team.
- The Capitals posted a 13-4-0 record against Canadian teams last season.
- Last season, the Capitals were 19-8-1 against Western Conference opponents.
Hockey tonight! Here! Finally… #CapsNucks #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Ri1dZQ5y0Y
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 26, 2017
This guy looking for win Number 5️⃣ tonight! #HoltBeast #CapsNucks #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/vPJPo72q3d
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 26, 2017
The big guy, @ovi8 , draws a crowd every day — wherever we go! @Capitals / Canucks on @NBCSWashington tonight. Coverage starts at 9 E pic.twitter.com/MxAW2saQfL
— Joe Beninati (@JoeBpXp) October 26, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BauwnxhAKbY/
Related articles:
Nicklas Backstrom Could Be Out With Illness against Canucks on Thursday
Game Preview: Capitals @ Canucks
The Road Ahead: Capitals Face a Big, Early Season Test in Western Canada
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
