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Preparing For The Pens: Notes From Capitals Optional Friday Practice

By Jon Sorensen·


The Washington Capitals held an optional practice Friday afternoon following their 6-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. The team will travel to Pittsburgh this afternoon in advance of their tilt with the Penguins on Saturday night. Puck drop is a prime time 8PM on ABC and ESPN.

HERE’S JOHNNY

John Carlson recorded two points (1g, 1a) in his return to the Capitals’ lineup on Thursday, as Washington defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 at Capital One Arena.

Carlson, Alex Ovechkin (1g, 1a), Nicklas Backstrom (1g, 1a) and Dylan Strome (2a) each recorded two points in the victory to move the Capitals (34-31-8, 76 pts.) within four points of the Eastern Conference’s second Wild Card spot, currently occupied by the Pittsburgh Penguins (35-27-10, 80 pts.).

CAPS-PENS

The Capitals and Penguins will complete their three-game season series tomorrow in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. on ABC and ESPN+. Washington is 1-1-0 versus Pittsburgh this season and have won three-straight games at PPG Paints Arena. [MORE HERE]

STAT OF THE DAY

Today’s stat of the day takes a look at the stats for the each and everyone of the Capitals defensive pairings deployed in Thursday night’s game against the Blackhawks. The graph includes time on ice (TOI) and expected goals for percentage (xGF%) for each defensive pair combination deployed in the game. [Click to enlarge].

Peter Laviolette said prior to last night’s game he would pair John Carlson, who was making his first start since December 23, with Martin Fehervary, but would also try a few other combinations. He did just that.

Carlson essentially played equal time with Fehervary and newcomer Rasmus Sandin. After one game (and it’s just one game) the Carlson-Sandin pairing worked the best.

[The statistics used in this post are courtesy of Natural Stat Trick, MoneyPuck and the NoVa Caps Advanced Analytics Model (NCAAM). If you’d like to learn more about the statistical terms used in this post, please check out our NHL Analytics Glossary]

DOWN ON THE FARM

Ryan Chesley and the Minnesota Golden Gophers won best Canisius 9-3 in the the first round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. They next face St. Cloud State on Saturday. St. Cloud State beat Minnesota State in their first round game on Thursday.

Mitchell Gibson and Harvard begin their run to the Frozen Four this afternoon when they face Ohio State. Puck drop is set for 2PM ET on ESPN.

Chase Clark and Quinnipiac also get things started today when they face Merrimack. Puck drop is set for 5:30PM ET on ESPN.

For Bears Vinny Iorio, Confidence Is Key [AHL]

SHAVINGS

    • Tage Thompson could do something that has never been done in NHL history. [ESPN]
    • Welsome, Lucas van Riemsdyk!

    • The NHL call-up who uplifted the Humboldt Broncos after tragedy. [The Score]

    • And finally, Jenner Jensen, wife of Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen, impressed in last night’s slapshot competition. Maybe Monumental Sports can sign her to a two-way deal. Jensen played basketball during her college days and the Wizards could also use her help.