The Washington Capitals held practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex ahead of their matchup against the New York Islanders. Here is what you need to know.
The big news coming out of Tuesday was the promotion of rookie forward Ivan Miroshnichenko. The rookie forward was recalled Tuesday morning, along with Hendrix Lapierre, and was on the third line with Evgeny Kuznetsov. Miroshnichenko was also on the second power play unit.
Capitals’ lines at today’s practice:
Ovechkin-Strome-Wilson
Protas-McMichael-Mantha
Lapierre/Phillips-Kuznetsov-Miro
Malenstyn-Dowd-NAKFehervary-Carlson
Sandin-TvR
Edmundson-Jensen
Alexeyev-PaciorettyOshie, Milano (IR) not on the ice
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) December 19, 2023
Max Pacioretty shedded his non-contact jersey for the first time since joining the team. He had been skating in a non-contact jersey and was working with skills coach Kenny McCudden.
“All of these kind of situations feel like a breath of fresh air for me, after being in bed and out of the game for so long … It all feels good to be back [practicing].”
Max Pacioretty speaks with the media about his progression.#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/pZ4itGAgoT
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 19, 2023
T.J. Oshie was placed on injured-reserve this morning. He is currently dealing with a lower-body injury. The Capitals are still without Sonny Milano who is not expected to return until after the Christmas break.
Don’t mind us … just over here ‘mirin Miro#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/Spqz3ePU1D
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 19, 2023
Meanwhile, defenseman Ethan Bear was spotted at the practice facility. The Capitals were the favorites to sign the 26-year-old blueliner in hopes of helping their offense on the backend. Bear had 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 61 games with the Vancouver Canucks last season.
Spotted Ethan Bear walking around the Caps’ practice facility a little bit ago, so safe to say that signing will be made official pretty soon
— Bailey Johnson (@BaileyAJohnson_) December 19, 2023
The Capitals take on the Islanders at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 20
By Jacob Cheris