Photo: @Capitals

The Washington Capitals were back on the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, on Friday in preparation for tomorrow’s 4 PM Eastern matinee against the Flames. The game can be seen on NBC Sports Washington. Here is all of the news from Friday’s Capitals practice from the Scotiabank Saddledome: 

After a 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last night, Capitals’ head coach Todd Reirden made some line changes ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Flames. He put forward Jakub Vrana on the top line with forwards Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov and forward Andre Burakovsky on the second line with forwards Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie.

The biggest change was on the third defensive pair, where defenseman Madison Bowey skated in Christian Djoos‘ spot next to Brooks Orpik. Djoos drew out of the lineup.

Capitals’ Projected Lineup at Flames

Caps expected lines vs Calgary. Shakeups here:

Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Vrana
Burakovsky-Backstrom-Oshie
Stephenson-Eller-Connolly
DSP-Dowd-Jaskin

Kempny-Carlson
Orlov-Niskanen
Orpik-Bowey

Holtby

— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) October 26, 2018

According to Samantha Pell, Reirden said that the goalie decision would be discussed later this afternoon with the coaching staff.  Holtby was on the ice for quite some time today after practice, Copley off earlier than normal, that’s usually a sign Copley will be in the net tomorrow.

Due to a 1 PM local start time, there will almost certainly be no morning skate on Saturday prior to the game.

Shavings

-Ovechkin is two power-play goals shy of passing Marcel Dionne (234) for eighth place on the NHL power-play goals list

-Defenseman John Carlson‘s 14 points leads the Capitals, making him one of three defensemen in the NHL to lead their respective teams in points (Thomas Chabot, Ottawa: 10 points; Brent Burns, San Jose: 10 points)

-Through the first nine games of the season, the Capitals are 12 for 32 on the power play; Their 37.5% success rate ranks first in the NHL, and their 12 power play goals lead the NHL

-Kuznetsov leads the Capitals and is first in the NHL with five power-play goals. Backstrom (two goals, eight points) and Carlson (one goal, eight points) lead the NHL in power play points, while Ovechkin (four goals, seven points) and Kuznetsov (five goals, seven points) are tied for third

-Torching Calgary: Ovechkin has 10 goals and 22 points in 16 career games against the Flames while Backstrom has seven goals and 20 points in 15 career games against Calgary

Capitals Today

CAPS TODAY: John Carlson’s 14 points leads the Capitals, making him one of three defensemen in the NHL to lead his respective team in points (Thomas Chabot, Ottawa: 10 points; Brent Burns, San Jose: 10 points). More info on https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/gw5TnkVFYX

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 26, 2018

Game Notes

GAME NOTES: The Capitals continue their western Canada road trip with a matchup against the Calgary Flames. https://t.co/ImhOSN5mxh pic.twitter.com/ExmG7BstDX

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 26, 2018

By Harrison Brown