The Washington Capitals have just three games remaining in the 2021-22 regular season, but there is still plenty to be decided. The Capitals are just one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for third place in the Metropolitan Division, with one game in hand. The Capitals could still secure third place and potentially face the New York Rangers, or they could remain in fourth place and likely face the Florida Panthers.
But first things first. The Capitals need to take care of business tonight when they host the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena. Here is the latest from morning skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex this morning.
Alex Ovechkin did not participate in this morning’s skate. Connor McMichael took Ovechkin’s place at left wing on the top line for this morning’s line rushes. Ilya Samsonov will get the start tonight against the Islanders.
Alex Ovechkin not on the ice for morning skate. He’s listed as day-to-day upper body injury #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Zcz9vz0Imq
— Alexa Landestoy (Shaw) (@alexalandestoy) April 26, 2022
The lines and pairs at morning skate:
Capitals at their morning skate without Ovechkin (upper body):
McMichael-Kuznetsov-Wilson
Johansson-Backstrom-Sheary
Mantha-Eller-Oshie
Larsson-Dowd-HathawayFehervary-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
TvR-Schultz— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 26, 2022
Capitals Power Play Units:
PP1: Schultz, Carlson (Ovechkin spot), Oshie, Backstrom, Kuznetsov
PP2: Orlov, Mantha, Wilson, Johansson, Sheary
#AllCaps coach Peter Laviolette says Alex Ovechkin will be a game-time decision vs. #Isles but the team won’t take any risks. Sounds like he’s not playing. Asked if Ovechkin would be ready for Game 1 of playoffs, Laviolette said, “I hope so. … I don’t know.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) April 26, 2022
Barry’s Boys
The Islanders will have a lot to say about the Capitals fate, as the two teams square-off in two of the Capitals final three games. The Capitals have won each of their last five home games against the Islanders, dating back to Jan. 26, 2021, of last season.
Washington has shutout New York in three of the last five times the teams have met. Vitek Vanecek recorded a 23-save shutout in the Capitals’ first matchup against the Islanders on Jan. 15. In his career, Vanecek is 5-1-0 against the Islanders with two shutouts, a 1.74 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage.
Tonight’s game marks the Capitals’ final home game of the season. Washington will conclude the 2021-22 campaign with a winning record at home for the 15th consecutive season.
Honoring Alex
Prior to the game tonight, the Capitals will honor captain Alex Ovechkin for his historic season and passing Jaromir Jagr for sole possession of third place on the NHL’s all-time goals list. During the ceremony, Ovechkin will receive a special gift from the organization. Ted Leonsis, chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment will join Ovechkin on the ice for the ceremony.
All fans in attendance will receive a Commemorative 3rd All-Time banner featuring milestones from Ovechkin’s career. In addition, fans are encouraged to visit sections 407-409 to view an Ovechkin tribute display which features a career timeline, goal milestones, and accomplishments over the years.
the only hooky that doesn’t get you sent to the box pic.twitter.com/GemkDrFqHl
— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 26, 2022
