The Capitals not only lost a shootout heartbreaker last night in New York, they were blanked for the second game in a row. Despite Philipp Grubauer having an incredible game with 37 saves, the Capitals couldn’t provide a goal or two to give him the win. The Capitals offense hasn’t lit the lamp in the last 145:01, with their last tally coming early in the third period in Arizona. The Capitals will look to turn things around tonight against the Bruins, a team that they have beaten in their last 11 meeting. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. Prior to the game, the team held an optional skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.
ATTENDANCE
Forwards
Tom Wilson, Andre Burakovsky, Chandler Stephenson, Nathan Walker
Defense
Christian Djoos, Madison Bowey, Taylor Chorney
Goalies
Braden Holtby, Philipp Grubuaer
NEWS
Chandler Stephenson, after missing both yesterday’s morning skate and the game vs. the Rangers due to an illness, was back on the ice for the optional skate. Nathan Walker was also here for the optional. Walker was the team’s extra forward in last night’s game with Stephenson sick. The Capitals had him remain with the club this morning as a precaution until they knew whether or not Stephenson was well enough to suit up for tonight’s game.
With the NHL roster freeze ending at midnight this morning, Walker was assigned to Hershey indicating that Stephenson will likely play tonight. Barry Trotz will address the media at 5:30 p.m. and will confirm.
Christian Djoos, who was struck in the face by a puck in the third period last night, was also on the ice. He went to the dressing room last night but came back out all stitched up when the game went into overtime. Djoos’ right side of his face is swollen and he had eight stitches last night. Djoos said after the skate that he is clear to play tonight.
“I feel good. Sh*t happens, but it hit me in a good spot,” Djoos told reporters after the skate.
After Grubauer got the start last night, Braden Holtby is expected to get the nod in goal tonight. Holtby has had a ton of success against the Bruins with a 13-2-0 record with a .942 save percentage and a 1.90 goals against average in his career, including three shutouts. Holtby was the first goalie off the ice, so that indicates he will start.
SHAVINGS
- The Capitals are 59-68-21-8 all-time against the Bruins and 11-0-0 over the last four seasons.
- The Capitals’ 11 consecutive wins over the Bruins is their longest winning streak against Boston in franchise history. No other team has a perfect record with double digit wins against any other opponent over the last four seasons in the NHL.
- This season, the Capitals have recorded 14 wins at Capital One Arena, the fourth-most wins in the NHL and the Caps are currently on a six-game winning streak on home ice.
- Nicklas Backstrom has earned 36 points (7 goals, 29 assists) in 33 career games against the Bruins and has earned a goal in 10 of his last 11 games against Boston (3 goals, 12 assists).
- Alex Ovechkin has registered 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 44 career games against Boston.
- Philipp Grubauer’s 37 saves last night were just one save shy of the single-game mark set by Braden Holtby. Holtby did it twice with the most recent 38-save game occurring on Oct. 28 at Edmonton.
- Over the last 18 games, the Capitals are 12-4-2 and are one of just three teams with 12 wins since Nov. 18 (Vegas, Boston) through games played Dec. 26.
CAPITALS TODAY
CAPS TODAY: In his last nine games against Boston, Braden Holtby is 9-0-0 with a 1.55 goals against average and a .950 save percentage. Holtby is expected to get the start tonight. https://t.co/AeJlk6LXMh pic.twitter.com/ESM2UQi5NP
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 28, 2017
GAME NOTES
GAME NOTES: The Capitals continue with a Thursday night matchup against the Boston Bruins. Washington has won 11-straight games against Boston. https://t.co/MGQgqhkpaW pic.twitter.com/dq2bwKp2Xl
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 28, 2017
CAPITALS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
An optional for the boys this AM on the second half of back-to-backs. #CapsBruins tonight at 7:30 on @NBCSN from @CapitalOneArena! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/h47Lvwsde2
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2017
#HoltBeast Tonight.#CapsBruins#ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/fC9w2rB5tI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2017
got to see a bunch of great players today!!! @Capitals @NoVa_Caps @tom_wilso @CStephenson22 @Holts170 @andreburakovsky @lellerofficial @orlov_09 pic.twitter.com/N7zpTat5ri
— Ana Urban (@anaaurban) December 28, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdQADdPDU-i/?taken-by=aoadc
By Michael Marzzacco
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