After a day off on Wednesday, the Capitals returned to work on Thursday to prepare for Friday night’s big home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This practice saw the return of three key guys, as each look to make a return from their respective injuries.
NEWS
After missing the game in Buffalo on Tuesday night due to a lower-body injury, defenseman Madison Bowey practiced with the team on Thursday. Also practicing was right wing Brett Connolly (upper-body), center Tyler Graovac (upper-body), and defenseman Matt Niskanen (thumb). Niskanen was practicing in a non-contact jersey. Trotz mentioned prior to the game in Buffalo that Connolly, Graovac, and Niskanen went from week-to-week to day-to-day. Forward Andre Burakovsky won’t return to action until December, but was spotted on the bench watching practice.
Burakovsky on the bench, watching the end of practice pic.twitter.com/9FB4jRzb0R
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) November 9, 2017
Following the skate, Niskanen said that his lungs felt good but that his timing is still a little off. He isn’t sure when he’ll play. Connolly mentioned that he’s been cleared from his first concussion to play, but isn’t sure if he’ll play tomorrow. Barry Trotz told reporters that the guys “are getting close” but wouldn’t hint on when they’ll return to the lineup.
PRACTICE LINES
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-DSP
Stephenson-Backstrom-Oshie
Vrana-Eller-Wilson
O’Brien-Beagle-Chiasson
Walker-Graovac-Connolly
Djoos-Carlson
Orlov-Chorney
Orpik-Bowey
Ness-Niskanen (Non-contact)
Jakub Vrana droppped to the third-line while Chandler Stephenson moved up to the second-line. Devante Smith-Pelly has moved to the top-line.
INTERVIEWS
Matt Niskanen discusses returning to #Caps practice today. pic.twitter.com/PxLcOaAOPi
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) November 9, 2017
Matt Niskanen
CAPS 365
Caps 365 | Getting healthier – Niskanen, Connolly, and Graovac all participated in practice and are designated as day-to-day. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/bszQ0BpVtA
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 9, 2017
SHAVINGS
- Nicklas Backstrom has recorded 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 15 games this season.
- Backstrom is consistently assigned to match-up against the opposition’s top-lines. Over the last three games, Backstrom has been matched up with the likes of Patrice Bergeron (Bruins), Derek Stephan (Coyotes), and Ryan O’Reilly (Sabres). During that span, Backstrom is a plus-9 in five-on-five shot attempts (57.1 shot attempt percentage).
- Backstrom ranks second among Capitals with at least 10 games played in shot attempt percentage at five-on-five (54.12 percent) and second among Capitals’ forwards in defensive zone starts at the face-off (56.1 percent).
CAPITALS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Matt Niskanen is on the ice at #Caps practice.. But he’s still in the light blue non-contact jersey.. But it’s progress.. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/euUuuPnXVQ
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) November 9, 2017
Brandt Beagle slapping the biscuit around after practice. #CapsDads pic.twitter.com/FYLAHqoGMJ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 9, 2017
Cute moment at the end of practice as a few players bring their kids onto the ice. #Caps pic.twitter.com/JfYha0dOXn
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) November 9, 2017
Big crowd around Matt Niskanen.. Skated with #Caps today.. Said he felt good but his timing was off.. Waiting to hear when he can play again.. pic.twitter.com/cC9N5fcPhU
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) November 9, 2017
Barry Trotz continues to say injured guys “are getting close”.. Wouldn’t commit to when any of #Caps who were hurt will return to lineup.. pic.twitter.com/7xOmEeDehU
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) November 9, 2017
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
Would anyone else make this trade to EDM- Grubbie, Orpik, Eller, and a 2nd for RNH and a D? Would the KNights want to stay in playoff contention and trade Theodore? Doubt it… We need a young ELC D!
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