Photo: @Capitals
The Capitals (5-6-1) held their first morning practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex today after returning from western Canada on Monday. The Caps Return to action on Thursday when they host Jason Chimera and the New York Islanders. Puck drop is 7:00 PM.
News
Brett Connolly did not participate in today’s practice. He has been out since sustaining an upper body injury in the Vancouver game last Thursday (10/26). Connolly underwent “Concussion Protocol Screening” following the game against the Canucks. Following practice, Trotz said “We’ll see where he is tomorrow. I don’t know if he’ll be able to skate tomorrow or not.”
Not only has Holtby shaved his beard, he’s breaking in a new Hockey Fights Cancer helmet. #Caps pic.twitter.com/ylIv173HzT
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) October 31, 2017
The Capitals will grant the wish of 11-year-old Bethesda, Md., native Dariush Namin Wednesday, Nov. 1 through Friday, Nov. 3. Namin’s wish to meet the team will come true through Make-A-Wish ® Mid-Atlantic. On Nov. 1, Namin will attend practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. He will be introduced to the team by head coach Barry Trotz in the locker room prior to practice
Congratulations to John Walton, who will be heading to South Korea in February to cover the Olympics for NBC!
Some personal news: Excited beyond words to say I’m going to the Olympics to broadcast hockey in South Korea for @NBCOlympics in February. pic.twitter.com/PoNt6G4Doa
— John Walton (@WaltonCaps) October 31, 2017
Practice
Matt Niskanen, Andre Burakovsky and Tyler Graovac, all on injured reserve, also did not participate in practice this morning.
Trotz isn’t yelling “Again!” But #Caps are getting in a round of grueling conditioning after some systems work. pic.twitter.com/e2ELmtbQJ6
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) October 31, 2017
As per NBCS-W, Trotz didn’t have a concrete update on Niskanen, who is skating but not cleared to practice. The Dman is eligible to return a week from now. Niskanen has been skating on his own before practices.
John Walton, the voice of the Capitals, sat down with Chandler Stephenson following practice on Tuesday for the Capitals latest Rinkside Update:
Rinkside Update | @CStephenson22 joins @waltoncaps to talk about his first NHL goal. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ul2ULKpdAO
— Washington🎃Capitals (@Capitals) October 31, 2017
Down on the Farm
The Hershey Bears have announced three roster moves today. The Bears have recalled defenseman Paul Geiger from the club’s ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays. Additionally, defenseman Kris Bindulis and goaltender Parker Milner have been re-assigned to the Stingrays. The moves were announced by Hershey’s Vice President of Hockey Operations, Bryan Helmer. More on this from the Nears here.
Shavings
- Through 12 games this season, Jakub Vrana has three goals and three assists, matching his totals in 21 games with the Capitals last season.
- Among rookie forwards this year, Vrana’s three even-strength goals is tied for fifth in the NHL, while his six even-strength points is tied for 10th.
- Since his NHL debut Dec. 1, 2016 against the New York Islanders, Vrana’s 52.47 shot attempts percentage at five-on-five ranks second among current Capitals with at least 30 games played over the last two seasons.
READ: #Caps T.J. and Lauren Oshie’s efforts in the D.C. community are featured in the November issue of @DCMagazineML. Pick up the magazine on newsstands throughout the month and read online at: https://t.co/s87MJ1dy0t pic.twitter.com/KXVGvIHKaE
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 31, 2017
By Jon Sorensen
