ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals were back practicing at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Monday morning. The Caps have won their last four games and are 8-1-1 in their last 10. Here is what you need to know from practice.
Evgeny Kuznetsov was back on the ice after not suiting up against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to illness.
Matthew Phillips was playing defense with Lucas Johansen. That does not mean he is playing on the blue line for games. Rasmus Sandin was reunited with John Carlson and Alex Alexeyev was paired with Trevor van Riemsdyk. Martin Fehervary has yet to return to the ice for a full practice.
Capitals lines in practice
Ovechkin-Strome-Wilson
Mantha-McMichael-Oshie
Milano-Kuznetsov-Protas
Malenstyn-Dowd-NAKSandin-Carlson
Edmundson-Jensen
Alexeyev-TvR
Johansen-PhillipsHendrix Lapierre was rotating with Kuznetsov. Phillips is only playing D for practice @NoVa_Caps
— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) November 20, 2023
The Caps continued working on the power play. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said that the two biggest issues that the power play unit has are entries and puck retrievals.
Spencer Carbery on what the power play needs to clean up: “For me it’s entries and puck recoveries. That’s where power plays start for me. Usually when you’re struggling, you’re not able to enter a game possession consistently.” #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/IjMDNOBfsr
— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) November 20, 2023
Connor McMichael remained on the first power play unit after he was replacing the ill Kuznetsov against Columbus.
Capitals power play lines
PP1: Ovechkin, Strome, Oshie, McMichael, Carlson
PP2: Milano, Kuznetsov, Mantha, Wilson, Sandin #ALLCAPS @NoVa_Caps— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) November 20, 2023
The Capitals also worked on puck movement centering on getting the puck to F3 (forward #3) in the slot area.
The Capitals seem to be working on hitting the F3. Probably to generate more high-danger chances in the slot area. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/qyzzHS30Am
— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) November 20, 2023
The Capitals will practice tomorrow at 11 a.m. ahead of their Thanksgiving-eve tilt against the Buffalo Sabres.
By Jacob Cheris