The Capitals, fresh off their resounding 4-1 beating of the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday night, held an optional skate at Kettler on Saturday morning. 

ROSTER MOVES
The Capitals announced today that they have re-assigned forward Liam O’Brien to the Hershey Bears. The announcement was made by Washington’s senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan.

PRACTICE NOTES
Matt Niskanen continues to participate in daily practices, as his return date inches closer.

Sight for sore eyes: Matt Niskanen is wearing his normal navy blue jersey (not the non-contact baby blue sweater) for today’s light, optional practice. #Caps pic.twitter.com/giZ6EYbx6H

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) November 11, 2017

Brett Connolly and Tyler Graovac also practiced this morning, as their returns are imminent. With Liam O’Brien being re-assigned to Hershey Saturday morning, it appears Brett Connolly will be ready to return Sunday night versus the Oilers. Forward Tyler Graovac is still a few days away from his return.

Graovac isn’t expected to play tomorrow. Still on IR and a few practices away, but he’s getting closer.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 11, 2017

It will be interesting to see what happens with Graovac when he is finally cleared to play. Chandler Stephenson has played well, and may have earned Graovac’s spot on the roster.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbXXEv0liX1/

RINKSIDE UPDATE:

Rinkside Update | Tyler Graovac talks about dealing with an immediate injury on a new team in a new city. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/PffAUdo1dQ

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 11, 2017

SHAVINGS:

• Braden Holtby won his 200th career NHL game against Pittsburgh on Friday night.
• The Capitals are 5-0-1 in games where they score on the power play.
• This season, Oshie leads the team in power play goals with five, while Alex Ovechkin has recorded four.

Rookie Madison Bowey teaching the finer points of tape-to-tape passing today. #Caps pic.twitter.com/jtttszSb9f

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) November 11, 2017

INJURY SUMMARY:

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