Center Evgeny Kuznetsov was absent from the Washington Capitals‘ practice on Saturday due to illness. He will be a game-time decision for Sunday afternoon’s game against the San Jose Sharks (12:30 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington). The 27-year old is currently riding a four-game point steak where he’s recorded four goals and six points.
Center Lars Eller stepped up in his place on the second-line while forward Travis Boyd drew back in. He took Eller’s normal spot.
Head coach Todd Reirden said that Braden Holtby, who has allowed 13 goals on 61 shots (.786 save percentage) in his past three games, will start in net against the Sharks on Sunday.
Top 5 Road teams
(based on road point %)– #allcaps 0.7608 (17-5-1)
– #GoAvsGo 0.6666 (13-6-2)
– #stlblues 0.6591 (13-6-3)
– #yotes 0.6591 (13-6-3)
– #Isles 0.6578 (12-6-1)#NHL #Puck— bbpuck (@bbpuck79) January 4, 2020
Goaltender Martin Jones will man the crease for the Sharks after Aaron Dell was in net for the team’s game on Saturday afternoon against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Capitals’ Lines vs. Sharks
Capitals lines at practice w/o Kuznetsov:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Wilson
Vrana-Eller-Oshie
Hagelin-Boyd-Panik
Leipsic-Dowd-HathawayKempny-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Siegenthaler-Gudas— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) January 4, 2020
Capitals’ Today
CAPS TODAY: Tomorrow marks the 10 year anniversary of Alex Ovechkin’s selection as captain for the Washington Capitals. More info on Ovechkin and the Caps at https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/KVxuDkryLP
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 4, 2020
Alex Ovechkin met with the media following practice on Saturday and was asked about his 10 years as Captain of the Capitals.
Alex Ovechkin on 10 year anniversary as Captain of the Capitals. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/HxxGiKEBVn
— Washington ☃️ Capitals (@Capitals) January 4, 2020
By Harrison Brown
Czech flu claims another victim.
I wish the Czech Flu would claim Coach Clueless!
“Head coach Todd Reirden said that Braden Holtby, who has allowed 13 goals on 61 shots (.786 save percentage) in his past three games, will start in net against the Sharks on Sunday”
NovaCapsFans: Everybody good with the decision to put Braden Hole-by back in net?
The logic makes perfect sense: Hole-by has been absolutely awful in his past three games (all losses) and generally leaky over his past ten. Samsonov has been lights-out all season long, has won nine road games (lost zero), and is red hot, right now. Conclusion: Of course! Reward Braden Hole-by’s poor performance with another start, to go four stinks in a row … Punish Sammy for superb performance, and whack dedicated Caps fans upside-the-head for paying $225 per ticket in the lower level of Capital One Arena.
Makes perfect sense! We fans don’t know diddly. Should mind our own business
Pingback: San Jose at Washington Preview: Capitals Spend Sunday Afternoon With The Sharks | NoVa Caps