The Capitals held an optional gameday morning skate this morning in San Jose. Following the skate, head coach Peter Laviolette met with the media.
T.J. Oshie and Nic Dowd are game-time decisions tonight in San Jose, per the team. Laviolette said they are “possibilities.” Both Oshie and Dowd are off of the injured reserve (IR) list, per the NHL media site.
T.J. Oshie and Nic Dowd are game-time decisions tonight in San Jose, per the team. Laviolette said they are “possibilities.” Sprong looks good to go.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) November 20, 2021
Ilya Samsonov was the first goalie off the ice following morning skate, indicating he could get the start tonight in San Jose.
Daniel Sprong, who left practice early on Friday, looks good to go.
Lars Eller is still in NHL COVID protocols and did not travel with the team to San Jose. He is still quarantining in Anaheim. Laviolette said he was not aware of any clear timeline for his return.
Full media availability with head coach Peter Laviolette at morning skate. #CapsSharks | @socios pic.twitter.com/EZaTgIf9gx
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 20, 2021
The Capitals face the San Jose Sharks tonight for the first time since Jan. 5, 2020, a 5-4 overtime win at Capital One Arena. Washington has earned points in six-straight games against San Jose (5-0-1), dating back to Dec. 4, 2017.
The Capitals are 5-1-2 on the road this season, the third-highest points percentage (.750) in the NHL (Carolina Hurricanes: .875; Tampa Bay Lightning: .786). Last season, the Capitals’ 19 road wins were tied with the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights for the most in the League.
Four of Garnet Hathaway’s five goals this season have come on the road, which is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the team lead. Hathaway has recorded six points and five goals in his last four games, two of which have been game-winning goals. Hathaway leads the Capitals, ranks fifth in the NHL and third among forwards in hits with 61 this season. At five-on-five, Hathaway has created 29 scoring chances, tied with Evgeny Kuznetsov for the fourth-most on the Capitals. ((Alex Ovechkin: 45; Daniel Sprong: 36; Connor McMichael: 33).
By Jon Sorensen
