The Washington Capitals had the day off on Sunday following their 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. The team returned to work Monday morning for their gameday morning skate in advance of their tilt with the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.
Lars Eller was shifted to left wing on the third line during the team’s morning skate. Connor McMichael, who had a solid game centering the third line against the Devils on Saturday, remained at center on the third line.
Caps lines at morning skate:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Wilson
Mantha-Backstrom-Oshie
Eller-McMichael-Johansson
Sheary-Dowd-HathawayFehervary-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Kempny-Schultz— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) March 28, 2022
Marcus Johansson, who played right wing on the Capitals first line for his first three games with the Capitals was dropped to the third line.
Vitek Vanecek is expected to get the start tonight. It looks like Nic Dowd could return to the lineup as well.
Peter Laviolette met with the media following this morning’s morning skate.
It looks like Freddie Andersen will get the start in goal for the Hurricanes. The Capitals are 2-o against Andersen so far this season.
Sights and sounds from the Nations Capital this morning!
Everyone is on the ice besides Ethan Bear. Forward lines look the same as the other night.
Freddie Andersen in the starters crease. #LetsGoCanes pic.twitter.com/bPr3A3Ii3c
— Abby Labar (@abbylabar_) March 28, 2022
Finer Than Carolina
The Capitals have won their first three meetings with the Hurricanes and will be gunning for a season sweep. The Capitals have outscored the Hurricanes 12-5 in the first three games.
Stats via NHL.com
Johnny B Good
John Carlson, who leads the Caps with five points (2g, 3a) in three games versus Carolina this season, enters tonight’s contest one game shy from passing Dale Hunter (872) for the sixth-most games played in franchise history. Carlson has recorded 22 points (2g, 20a) in his last 22 games. Since this span, which began on Feb. 1, Carlson ranks third among defensemen in points, only behind Nashville’s Roman Josi (38) and Colorado’s Cale Makar (29).
Carlson currently ranks seventh among defensemen in points (55), tied for seventh in goals (11) and eighth in assists (44). In addition, he ranks first in franchise history in points among defensemen with 577 points (126g, 451a). With 451 assists, Carlson ranks third in franchise history, only trailing Nicklas Backstrom (742a) and Alex Ovechkin (626a). Carlson is also one assist shy of passing Guy Lapointe (451a) and tying Doug Harvey (452a) for the 43rd most assists by a defenseman in NHL history.
Sheary is such a good utility player. Literally played on every line. Good for Axel to sit and watch for a game.
Nice to keep McMichael at center where he belongs and plays his best. Moving MoJo to the 3rd line makes sense as he doesnt offer much on either the 1st or 2nd lines in the way of points or enforcement.
Completely agree, Steven. I feel like we are inching closer to game 1 lineup. 🙌
Need to move him to bench and keep Axel in. Except he’s too young.