Evgeny Kuznetsov Returns To Practice; A New Day Means New Lines: News From Capitals Practice

Posted on March 2, 2021 by Jon Sorensen


Following a day off for the team on Monday, The Washington Capitals returned to practice Tuesday afternoon at Warrior Ice Arena in Boston. The Capitals face the Bruins in the first of a two-game set Wednesday night at TD Garden, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM. Here’s the latest from Capitals practice this afternoon:

Storylines for Tuesday included the status of Evgeny Kuznetsov, who missed the last two games with an upper body injury, and who will get the start in goal for the Capitals when they face the Bruins Wednesday night. In addition, Zdeno Chara is making his first return to Boston since signing with the Capitals.

PRACTICE
Evgeny Kuznetsov practiced with the team on Tuesday. There was no indication of who will get the start in goal for the Capitals Wednesday night.

Lines:

Power Play Units:

Several of the Capitals players donned pink tie-dyed bandanas for this afternoon’s practice. It’s called fashion. Look it up.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Zdeno Chara
“The environment is something I was very close with for many years, but I think we all have to realize that once the puck is dropped, you really have to focus on what’s going on inside the glass and just perform.” Zdeno Chara on his return to Boston.

Coach Laviolette

ZDENO CHARA

  • Zdeno Chara has recorded six points (2g, 4a) and has played in all 21 games this season for the Capitals, while averaging 19:24 of ice time, the third-highest average on the team.
  • Chara is on pace to become the first player since 1997-98, both his first season and the NHL’s first season of tracking time on ice, to average at least 19 minutes per game at the age of 43 or older.
  • Since 1997-98, Chara has led the NHL with 37,536:23 minutes, over 6,000 more minutes than the next closest player. His 1,574 games rank third among all active players, first among defensemen, and fifth in NHL history among defensemen.
  • Chara became the fifth defenseman in NHL history to record a regular-season point at the age of 43 or older, when he recorded an assist on Jan. 22 against the Buffalo Sabres, joining Chris Chelios (7g, 27a), Doug Harvey (2g, 20a), Tim Horton (1g, 14a) and Allan Stanley (1g, 5a), and he’s the oldest player in franchise history to record a point (previously Doug Mohns, age 41 in 1974-75 season).

HOT LINKS

FANS AT GAMES
DC Mayor Bowser approves Nationals request to hold games at Nats Park, but WITHOUT fans. DC Health Director tells team decision to allow fans could be reconsidered later this month based on COVID-19 metrics.

The Flyers announced today that they will allow for the first time a small percentage of fans to attend Sunday’s game against the Capitals:

CAPITALS GOAL SONG PLAYLIST

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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4 Responses to Evgeny Kuznetsov Returns To Practice; A New Day Means New Lines: News From Capitals Practice

  1. hockeydruid says:
    March 2, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    One change to the PP#1,remove Varna and insert Wison. Let Wilson and Oshie play either a high/low in the middle or play an i-2-2 with Oshie and Wilson being on either side of the crease. That way you have shots from either side from the dot as well as on top.

    Reply

  2. Pingback: Wednesday Caps Clips: Capitals @ Bruins Game Day

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