The Washington Capitals made their way to New York City yesterday afternoon ahead of their game against the Rangers tonight. The team will be in the New York metro area for a week with games against the Islanders and the Devils over the next seven days. Puck drop for tonight’s game against the Rangers is 7:00 PM. Here’s the latest from game day morning skate at Madison Square Garden.
The Capitals face the New York Rangers tonight for the sixth time this season (2-3-0). The Capitals have a record of 23-7-4 and 50 standings points, which leads the East Division and is tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the most points in the NHL. [Game Notes]
MORNING SKATE
Lars Eller skated with the team this morning. He said he is available to play tonight. He has missed the last seven games due to a lower body injury.
Lars Eller said he is available to play tonight. He said he suffered another injury while rehabbing his previous injury, which caused him to miss additional games.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/6cUOA3ij3S
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) March 30, 2021
Eller said he suffered an injury to a “different area” when he was rehabbing his previous injury. Laviolatte said he would be a game time decision.
Takin’ a trip up 95#ALLCAPS | @Enterprise pic.twitter.com/PSmGcvJATJ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 29, 2021
Igor Shesterkin will start in goal for the Rangers tonight.
Igor Shesterkin in net for the Rangers tonight against the Capitals at MSG.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) March 30, 2021
East Division goaltenders thru games completed on 3/29.
East Division goaltenders (5v5) (3/30/2021) data via @NatStatTrick #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/AsT8IKoh1j
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) March 30, 2021
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Lars Eller
Garnet Hathaway
Coach Laviolette
CAPITALS vs. RANGERS
Possession metrics for the first five meetings between the Capitals and Rangers. (data via Natural Stat Trick).
SHAVINGS
- Washington reached 50 points in 34 games this season, the third-fewest games needed to reach 50 points in a season in franchise history (2015-16: 32 games; 2019-20: 33 games).
- The Capitals’ .735 point percentage, which equates to 120 points over an 82-game season, is tied for the second-highest in the NHL and is currently the second-highest rate in franchise history (2009-10: .738 point percentage).
- The Capitals have won a franchise-record five consecutive division titles. Washington is looking to win their division for the sixth consecutive season and become the fifth NHL franchise to accomplish this feat in the modern era (Colorado/Quebec: 9, 1995-2003; Detroit: 8, 2001-2009; Montreal: 8, 1975-1982; Edmonton: 6, 1982-1987).
Take a look back at the best goals from an unbeaten week, presented by @Wawa!#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/tPJXSpz7Ac
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 29, 2021
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @nova_caps
