ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals had their second practice in a row before their game against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Here is what happened in today’s practice. 

Assistant coach Kenny McCudden was once again out on the ice early. He was working primarily with the defensemen, working on basic transition drills.

Early morning work with the defenseman with skills coach Kenny McCudden. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/HSFVErZWse

— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) November 21, 2023

On the other end, Charlie Lindgren was working with a medicine ball moving laterally. Former Caps goaltending coach Mitch Korn was infamous for doing that drill.

The medicine ball is back. Throwback to Mitch Korn’s days. pic.twitter.com/2bDYb7mhaz

— Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) November 21, 2023

Alex Ovechkin left practice for an unknown reason. He did not leave the ice with trainers. But he returned. Once he got back on the ice, the Capitals captain was seen laughing. Read between the lines.

Nic Dowd took a maintenance day. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said that he should be good to go against Buffalo. 

Lucas Johansen was the extra defenseman. He was not paired with anyone during drills. The Caps did not do line rushes. 

After being on the second power play unit yesterday, Evgeny Kuznetsov was not skating with either power play unit. 

Tennis star and DMV native Frances Tiafoe was at practice today. He was interacting with players and got some signed memorabilia from Ovechkin and Tom Wilson.

Alex Ovechkin and Frances Tiafoe post-practice. Tiafoe played a little tennis on the ice with a bunch of the Caps after practice pic.twitter.com/WR2S5ehFnz

— Bailey Johnson (@BaileyAJohnson_) November 21, 2023

He was also on the ice playing some “ice tennis” with players.

Major tournament on ice when? pic.twitter.com/u439VvbtRX

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 21, 2023

The Capitals take on the Sabres on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.

By Jacob Cheris