The Washington Capitals returned to work Thursday morning for their first workout since their 6-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. The team had a couple of days off before beginning preparations for the Minnesota Wild, who come to town on Sunday.
Captain Alex Ovechkin did not participate in the team’s practice on Thursday. The team called it a “maintenance day.”
Alex Ovechkin is not on the ice for the Capitals practice today. Team said he’s taking a maintenance day. They had the last two days off after playing on Monday.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) March 31, 2022
Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette said after practice that he expects Ovechkin to be at practice on Friday. He also discussed the Capitals issues with winning games on home ice.
Nicklas Backstrom
Nicklas Backstrom met with the media following today’s practice. He discussed the Capitals issues with winning home games versus games on the road.
T.J. Oshie
Oshie also discussed the teams struggles on home ice following practice on Thursday.
Shots Fired
The Capitals continue to do well in suppressing shots by the opposition. Even though the team’s average has steadily climbed since the beginning of the season, the Capitals continue to be among the league’s best (currently 6th fewest) at 29.3 shots shots against per game. [Click to enlarge].
Connor McMichael
Since March 15 against the New York Islanders, rookie Connor McMichael has primarily been utilized and shifted to a center position. During that eight-game span, McMichael ranks first on the Capitals with a 56.52 shot attempt percentage at five-on-five (91 shot attempts for, 70 against), first in scoring chances for percentage (61.73 scoring chances for percentage; 50 for, 31 against) and first in high-danger shot attempts for percentage (68.75 high-danger shot attempts percentage for; 22 for, 10 against).
In addition, McMichael ranks first in individual high-danger shot attempts (6.87), second in individual scoring chances created (9.61) – behind only Alex Ovechkin (10.90) – and first in rebound opportunities created (2.06) per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, all despite ranking fourth in individual shot attempts per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. This season, McMichael has recorded 18 points (9g, 9a) in 63 games.
By Jon Sorensen
Have to root for Connor as he tries all the time and seems to have the worst luck in scoring. Would be nice to see him stay at center and have 2 scoring forwards on his side and see what he could do then! Maybe a line of Connor, Snivley and either AJG or Mantha, with their speed and shooting ability would score some goals.
Youngsters are coming hard. It’s definitely a wake-up call for the older players. Step it up or step aside.
I think the pipeline looks fine and it is too bad JOnas S was let go…. The Caps took him in the 2nd then only got a 3rd for a regular D…. odd
The trading of Siegenthaler was a pure blunder by the Capitals. He’s starting to shine not only for the Devils, but statistically is among the leagues best. A pure blunder, deciding to go with Chara over Siegenthaler.
No doubt, love the snarl that Siegs has too