Nicklas Backstrom, Carl Hagelin Ready For Return; Chandler Stephenson Held Out From Practice

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Jon Sorensen
Photo: @Capitals

The  Capitals enjoyed a day-off in Northern California on Sunday following their decisive 5-2 win over the Red Wings in Detroit on Saturday night. The Capitals next face the Sharks in San Jose on Tuesday night. The team held a full practice Monday afternoon in advance of the start of their annual west cost swing. Here’s the latest from the Golden State.

Chandler Stephenson was not on the ice during the team’s practice at SAP Center on Monday morning and could be part of a transaction, according to senior writer Mike Vogel.

More on Stephen and the roster and salary cap constraints currently confronting the Capitals can be found here.

PRACTICE NEWS
Nicklas Backstrom practiced with the team this morning wearing a regular practice jersey. He had been skating in the light blue non-contact sweater for the past several practices. All signs point to him returning soon, if not tomorrow night.

Carl Hagelin, who is eligible to return from injured reserve tomorrow night against the Sharks, was also a full participant in paractice.

The addition of Backstrom and Hagelin to the practice ice required the Capitals to pull Stephenson from practice, due to limitations with roster size.


Practice Lines
Backstrom was an alternate/extra in this mornings practice line rushes. Braden Holtby will start Tuesday night against the Sharks.

OTHER NEWS
Nicklas Backstrom confirmed reports from last week (here) that he has indeed parted ways with his agent and is negotiating his next contract on his own.

Capitals Head Coach Todd Reirden Met with the media following today’s practice. He provided updates on Backstrom and Hagelin, the status of Chandler Stephenson and the Capitals third line responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Steel City? Injuries Continue To Pile Up For Penguins (NoVa Caps)

How Seattle Is Taking A Data-Driven Approach To Building It’s Own Team (SI)

Capitals Prospect Report for Week 11 (NoVa Caps)

Interview With Jonas Siegenthaler (Elite Porpsoects)

Alex Ovechkin Reaches New Milestones In Detroit (NoVa Caps) 

Capitals At Sharks Game Notes (Capitals)

Capitals At Sharks Game Preview (NoVa Caps)

SHAVINGS

  • The Capitals enter December with 19-4-5 record, tied with the Boston Bruins for the most points (43) in the NHL.
  • The Capitals’ four regulation losses mark the fewest in franchise history through October and November (previous record, five in 2009-10 and 2015-16).
  • With a 10-2-2 record in November, the Capitals tied a franchise record for the highest point percentage in the respective month (2010-11: 10-2-2, .786 point percentage).
  • Additionally, the Capitals’ 19 wins in 28 games are the third-fewest games the Capitals have needed to reach the mark in franchise history (2015-16: 26 games; 1991-92: 27 games).
  • The Capitals opponents this season have a combined 300-209-85 record, the seventh-highest opponent point percentage in the NHL (.577) and the second-most wins (Anaheim opponents: 324 wins).

By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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1 Response to Nicklas Backstrom, Carl Hagelin Ready For Return; Chandler Stephenson Held Out From Practice

  1. Day One Caps Fan says:
    December 2, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    Let’s Jump the Shark tomorrow night! Go Caps

    Reply

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