X75 Productions

Author: Kassie Coulson

  • Saturday Matinee: Washington Capitals vs Vancouver Canucks

    Saturday Matinee: Washington Capitals vs Vancouver Canucks

     

    Washington Capitals (16-4-4) vs Vancouver Canucks (11-8-4)

     

     Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsBraden Holtby11-2-32.98 / .904 / 0
    Vancouver CanucksJacob Markstrom 6-6-32.84 / .909 / 0

     

     

    Tomorrow, the Washington Capitals will face-off against the Vancouver Canucks for the second time this season. Puck-drop is just after 12:30pm, so we will see how Washington handles the much earlier start time. The last time these two met, the Capitals pulled out the most monumental comeback of the season thus far. On October 25, the Caps were down 5-1 heading into the final frame, but three goals in five minutes, and four goals in eight gave Washington the chance to win it in overtime. TJ Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom would be the ones to win it for Washington in the shootout. Caps’ fans are hopeful to repeat the same performance, just without the need for a comeback.

    On Wednesday, the Washington Capitals lost 4-1 to the New York Rangers. Prior to practice, the Capitals placed Nic Dowd on IR and Carl Hagelin on LTIR, and recalled Beck Malenstyn, Mike Sgarbossa, Tyler Lewington, and Ilya Samsonov. Nicklas Backstrom did not play, as he was out with an upper-body injury, and Lars Eller filled in for him in the 2C position. Beck Malenstyn made his NHL debut, and Sgarbossa played in his first NHL game as a Capital. The first period was uneventful as far as goal scoring goes, as neither team scored, but the Capitals hit three posts, and Braden Holtby made several point-blank saves that kept the Rangers scoreless. The Rangers received the first power play of the night, as Tom Wilson went off for boarding with just over 30 seconds remaining in the period. Not having Carl Hagelin and Garnet Hathaway on the penalty kill proved to be fatal for the Caps, as Artemi Panarin scored at the 1:14 mark of the second period. Both Tom Wilson and Radko Gudas took liberty at throwing some world-rocking hits in the middle frame, luckily without incident.

    Just beyond the seven-minute mark, the Capitals received their first power play at Greg McKegg went off for tripping. Another shot off a pipe kept Washington off the board, and the Rangers successfully killed off their penalty. Fun fact, the Capitals actually lead the league in post/crossbar shots at 29, and the Dallas Stars rank 2nd, with 21. Again, the opposing team would start the next period on the power play, as Alex Ovechkin was called for tripping with eight seconds remaining in the second. It was imperative that Washington kill off this penalty without allowing another Rangers goal. Although the Capitals were successful, Dmitry Orlov would be called immediately for high-sticking, and the Rangers would receive another two minutes with the man-advantage. Artemi Panarin would score his second of the night, and 11th on the season as the Rangers power play would convert on their third opportunity. Moments later, Pavel Buchnevich would give the Rangers a 3-0 lead, as the Capitals’ defense broke down in front of the net, and Braden Holtby was faced with a nearly-impossible task of attempting to stop a wide-open shot. Brendan Smith would go to the box, and the Capitals would get an opportunity to avoid a shutout by the King, himself. Evgeny Kuznetsov would do just that, scoring on the Caps’ power play, and bringing Washington within two.

     

    A timely save on a breakaway by Braden Holtby kept the Capitals in the game. However, despite their efforts, the Capitals would drop their second meeting with the Rangers. Brett Howden would score his 3rd of the season at the 13:33 mark, reinstating the Rangers’ 3-goal lead. The ‘Holtby’ taunts would begin shortly thereafter, and with New York leading 4-1, this match was all but finished. Tom Wilson and Brendan Lemieux, after lots of sparring throughout the game, would drop the gloves, and with three minutes left, both would be given five-minute majors for fighting. Lemieux received an extra two-minute penalty, and the Capitals would receive a power play, with an empty net. Unfortunately, Washington was unable to convert. Braden Holtby made 27 saves on 31 shots, giving him a .871 save percentage on the night. Braden Holtby is expected to start for the Capitals versus the Canucks.

     

    The Vancouver Canucks last played on Thursday, where they defeated the Nashville Predators in a dominant 6-3 win. After losing 6-1 to the Dallas Stars, and dropping six of their last seven games, Vancouver desperately needed a sharp performance from their stars, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The Canucks relied entirely on their special teams for this win. Vancouver converted on five of six power play opportunities. Ryan Johansen scored first, giving Nashville an early lead, but at the 16:34 mark, Calder Trophy award winner Elias Pettersson tied the game with a power play goal on their first power play of the night. Exactly two minutes later, former Washington Capital Tyler Graovac scored his first of the season, also a power play goal. Calle Jarnkrok tied the game with a power play goal just short of the five-minute mark of the second period. However, JT Miller, again on the power play, gave Vancouver a 3-2 lead. At the 18:32 mark of the second, Brock Boeser scored his 10th of the season, another power play goal, and 30 second later, Bo Horvat scored on a Vancouver power play again. Matt Duchene kept the Predators within two goals eight minutes and 32 seconds into the final frame. However, Tanner Pearson scored an empty-net short-handed goal just short of 18 minutes, securing the win for Vancouver. Elias Pettersson leads Vancouver with 28 points, and Brock Boeser leads with 10 goals. Bo Horvat, however, leads with six power play goals, and although he did not score back when Washington completed that epic comeback, he did register two assists (WAS @ VAN). Tim Schaller hasn’t scored since October 28th versus the Florida Panthers. However, Schaller scored two goals against Washington, and therefore the Caps’ need to have all eyes on this one. Former Capital Jay Beagle ranks 5th overall in faceoff percentage (60.3%), which bolsters the entire teams 2nd place ranking (TheScore, Vancouver Canucks). Nashville doubled up on Vancouver in shots on goal with 48, but goaltender Jacob Markstrom allowed just 3 goals, ending his night with a .938 save percentage. Alternatively, the Canucks needed just 23 shots to win tonight’s match, and Pekka Rinne for the Predators made just 12 saves, and was relieved by backup Juuse Saros at the start of the third (TheScore, VAN @ NSH). Markstrom is expected to start for Vancouver.

     

    The Vancouver Canucks will be without Brandon Sutter (DL, groin), Michael Ferland (DL, concussion), Antoine Roussel (IR-NR, knee), and Tyler Motte (DL, lower body). Jay Beagle did not participate in the Canucks’ optional skate, but is hoping to play versus the Caps. The Washington Capitals reassigned Tyler Lewington to Hershey, and recalled Christian Djoos, though he is not expected to play. The Capitals are still without Carl Hagelin and Nic Dowd due to injury, and Garnet Hathaway will serve his 2nd of a three-game suspension. Nicklas Backstrom has also been ruled out of the roster for tomorrow. Playing without Hagelin and Hathaway will, and has been, extremely costly for the Caps’ penalty kill. The Capitals need to reduce the number of penalties taken, as Vancouver won their last game entirely with their special teams.

    Coverage of the game begins at 11:30am with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 12:00pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 12:30pm.

     

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    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals @ Vancouver Canucks. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21886.

    TheScore. (2019). Vancouver Canucks @ Nashville Predators. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/22065.

    TheScore. (2019). Vancouver Canucks News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/30.

  • *UPDATED* Empire State of Mind: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers

    *UPDATED* Empire State of Mind: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers

    Washington Capitals (16-3-4) vs New York Rangers (8-8-2)

     Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsBraden Holtby11-1-32.91 / .906% / 0
    New York RangersHenrik Lundqvist4-4-13.54 / .905% / 0

     

    Tonight, the Washington Capitals will face the New York Rangers for the 2nd time this season. Since the Caps’ defeated the Rangers 5-2 back on October 18th, New York has won 6 of 13 games. Conversely, the Capitals have won 11 of 15, and lead the league in wins, goals for, goal differential, and shot percentage.

    On Monday, the Washington Capitals defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2. However, that win was anything but run-of-the-mill. The league-leading Capitals have established themselves as the team to beat, and opposition will stop at almost nothing to give themselves a fighting chance. Literally. Richard Panik, who has not scored since joining the Caps, tallied his first goal of the season, just 50 seconds into the first period.

     

    Panik missed 10 games with an injury that landed him on IR. Travis Boyd tallied a primary assist on the goal, and now has three points in three consecutive games (NHL.com). TJ Oshie was called for delay of game at the 18:00 mark of the first period, but Washington successfully killed off the penalty. The second period saw the Capitals’ first power play of the night, and a beautiful pass from Evgeny Kuznetsov to Alex Ovechkin ended up in the back of the net, giving Washington a 2-0 lead. With his 15th goal of the season, Ovechkin ranks 3rd in goal scoring across the league.

     

    The remainder of the middle frame was fairly uneventful, despite some rough-housing between the two teams, and some non-calls from on-ice officials. It wasn’t until the final 30 seconds of the period that things really started to heat up. Capitals forward Brendan Leipsic was fed up with Anaheim’s shenanigans, and threw a massive hit, all 5’10” of him, after being tied up by Erik Gudbranson and repeatedly cross-checked by Brendan Guhle.

    https://youtu.be/gmL_HaRrJco

     

    Both Leipsic and Garnet Hathaway, who had also been very involved throughout the first two periods were then dragged into an all-out brawl behind the goal. In the midst of all the extra-curriculars, Chandler Stephenson scored on Ducks goaltender John Gibson, but many wondered if the goal would stand. Hathaway continued to get into it with Derek Grant and Brett Ritchie. Erik Gudbranson, who, with the Ducks, is playing on his third team in two years, sucker-punched Hathaway as the referees and linesmen were attempting to separate them. Hathaway, in sheer anger and disgust, then spat on Gudbranson, and John Carlson got involved as well. As the officials tried to decide what penalties would be doled out, and for how long, fans in Capital One Arena sat impatiently, trying to decide if the home team was up 3-0, or if Stephenson’s goal wouldn’t count. After what seemed like 15 minutes, the Caps and the Ducks would play two minutes of 4-on-4, and then Anaheim would have a three-minute power play.

     

     

     

    Garnet Hathaway received a match penalty, and therefore would not play the remainder of the game. Chandler Stephensons’ goal stood, and the Capitals led 3-0 heading into the third period. At the 5:44 mark of the final period, Jakub Vrana scored his 10th goal of the season, lifting the Caps to a score of 4-0.

    Just short of the 13-minute mark, TJ Oshie would receive his second penalty of the game, four minutes for high-sticking. Sam Steel scored his first of the season, ruining Braden Holtby’s hopes for a shutout. Less than four minutes later, Nicolas Deslauriers also scored his first of the season, cutting Washingtons’ lead to two. Ducks head-coach Dallas Eakins emptied their net for the extra skater, and Tom Wilson sealed the deal for Washington with an empty-net goal at the 18:49 mark.

    Braden Holtby allowed just two goals on 34 shots and is expected to start for Washington tonight.

    The New York Rangers last played on Saturday, and should be well-rested heading into tonight’s match. The Rangers lost to the Florida Panthers by a score of 4-3, after allowing two power play goals on four opportunities by the Panthers. All of the scoring in the first period came before the game was 10 minutes old. Mike Hoffman started the scoring with an early power play, but just about 30 seconds after Florida scored, Ryan Strome scored his 6th of the season to tie the game. Just short of seven minutes into the period, Evgenii Dadonov scored his 9th of the season, again on the Panthers’ power play, and two minutes later, Artemi Panarin tied it all up with his 9th goal. New York received their first power play opportunity one minute into the second period, but were unable to convert. The Rangers’ power play is alright, ranking 14th, and operating at 20.6% efficiency, but their penalty kill is not alright. The Rangers average 13.2 penalty minutes per game, and their 3rd worst penalty kill in the league doesn’t help their cause. Killing just 73.2% of penalties taken, the Rangers have allowed 12 power play goals, in 8 games played in November. Six of those PPG’s came versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, in an embarrassing 9-3 defeat back on November 14th. Tony DeAngelo scored his 6th just short of the six-minute mark of the third period, but two more goals for the Panthers, one from Brett Connolly, and another from Evgenii Dadonov proved too much for the Rangers to overcome (TheScore, NYR @ FLA). One month ago, when the Rangers last played the Capitals, New York boasted the 2nd best faceoff percentage in the league, but has since dropped to 29th, as they win 47.4% of all faceoffs taken. The Rangers also allow, on average, 3.61 goals against per game, 2nd most in the league (TheScore, New York Rangers). On the other hand, the Capitals score the most goals for, averaging 3.74 per game (TheScore, Washington). Versus the Panthers, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist allowed 4 goals on 30 shots, ending the night with a .867 save percentage. Lundqvist is expected to start tonight.

    The New York Rangers are without defenseman Marc Staal (OUT- infection), and center Mika Zibanejad (OUT- upper body). Zibanejad has played just three games this season. Carl Hagelin participated in an optional practice yesterday, donning a non-contact jersey. Nic Dowd did not participate. Nicklas Backstrom is out with an upper-body injury, and will not play versus the Rangers. The Washington Capitals have recalled forwards Beck Malenstyn and Mike Sgarbossa, as well as defenseman Tyler Lewington, and goaltender Ilya Samsonov from the Hershey Bears. With the moves, they have re-assigned Vitek Vanecek to Hershey. Washington has placed Nic Dowd on IR, and is eligible to be reactivated November 21st. Carl Hagelin has been placed on LTIR, and is eligible to be reactivated December 2nd. Garnet Hathaway will not dress for tonight’s game, as he has been issued a three-game suspension. We are absolutely shocked by the league’s decision, as Hathaway was wrongfully given a match penalty for an offense that was more deserving of a game misconduct penalty, if anything at all. It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the league continues to fail to punish those who are actually deserving of suspension.

    Coverage of the game begins at 7:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 7:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 8:00pm.

     

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    References

    NHL.com. (2019). Travis Boyd Stats and News. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/player/travis-boyd-8476329.

    TheScore. (2019). New York Rangers @ Florida Panthers. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/22032 .

    TheScore. (2019). New York Rangers News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/8 .

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15 .

     

     

  • Duck Hunting in DC: Washington Capitals vs Anaheim Ducks

    Duck Hunting in DC: Washington Capitals vs Anaheim Ducks

    Washington Capitals (15-3-4) vs Anaheim Ducks (10-9-2)

     

     Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsBraden Holtby10-1-32.97 / .904% / 0
    Anaheim DucksJohn Gibson7-9-02.83 / .915% / 0

     

    Tonight, the Washington Capitals will play the Anaheim Ducks back at Capital One Arena. Although the last time these two teams played each other was back on February 17th, 2019, with the Capitals losing 5-2, most fans remember the heartbreaking 6-5 loss that came versus Anaheim last December, after Washington gave up a lead by allowing five unanswered goals. This time around, the Washington Capitals are looking to avoid a similar fate. For comparisons’ sake, the Ducks’ record one year ago to the day was 8-9-4, and the Capitals’, 9-7-3 (HockeyReference).

    On Saturday, the Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins for the 15th time in 16 meetings, in a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat 3-2 shootout win. Due to salary cap restraints, the Capitals were forced to send down goaltender Ilya Samsonov and Tyler Lewington to the Hershey Bears, and brought up Travis Boyd and Vitek Vanecek. After losing the previous nights’ match to the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Todd Reirden wanted to send a message, and thus scrambled up all four lines, and started veteran goaltender Braden Holtby. Promoted to the top line were Tom Wilson and Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Reirden swapped Richard Panik from the 3RW to the 3LW spot, dropped Chandler Stephenson to the 4C position, and brought up Hathaway from the 4RW to the 3RW position. The Capitals received the first power play of the night at the eight-minute mark as David Pastrnak went off for hooking. The Capitals would not convert. 90 seconds later, Charlie Coyle, for the second time in as many nights, scored the first goal of the game, giving the Bruins a first period 1-0 lead. However, three minutes later, Travis Boyd, who had just been called down from Hershey, scored his first goal of the season to tie the game 1-1. The Bruins would receive their first power play with 39 seconds remaining in the first period, and would start the second with the man advantage. The Capitals successfully killed off the Gudas penalty, but three minutes and 30 seconds into the middle frame, David Pastrnak scored his 17th of the season, renewing Bostons’ lead. After having just one point in four games, it was only a matter of time until Pastrnak struck again. Still, just two points in five games would be considered a slump for the Czech winger. The Caps’ would be given the opportunity to even up the score as Danton Heinen would be called for hooking, but was unable to do so. Goaltender Braden Holtby would actually be called for tripping, but Bostons’ 3rd ranked power play still did not convert. The Bruins would get another power play just before the second expired, and for the second time, Boston would start the next period on a power play. The Capitals killed off Bostons’ third power play, and successfully kept them off the board. Tom Wilson and Zdeno Chara received matching minors at the 13:59 mark, but the score remained unchanged. Time was winding down in the third period, and Todd Reirden elected to pull Braden Holtby for the extra skater, hoping to tie the game with two minutes left. Versus the Canadiens, the Capitals allowed an empty net goal. However, with 59 seconds left, TJ Oshie scored the game-tying goal, assuring that the Capitals would earn at least a single point. The sudden-death 3-on-3 overtime period would end without a winner, and a shootout would decide the victor. TJ Oshie missed on his opportunity, and Charlie Coyle who started the scoring for Boston, would give the Bruins the advantage in the shootout. Evgeny Kuznetsov missed, and Holtby robbed Pastrnak. Nicklas Backstrom, who won the shootout for the Caps vs Vancouver, finally solved Halak, and Brad Marchand missed for Boston. Alex Ovechkin missed for the Capitals, but David Krejci would also miss. Jakub Vrana, a la Pavel Datsyuk, would trick Halak giving Washington their first ‘lead’ of the game. That shootout attempt would be the eventual winning goal for the Capitals, as Holtby denied Chris Wagner. This would be the second time the young winger would win a shootout for the Capitals just this season alone. The Capitals peppered Jaroslav Halak with 44 shots on goal, setting a season-high. Braden Holtby stopped 21 of 23 shots faced, earning him a .913 save percentage. Holtby is expected to start tonight. It is worth noting that in his last 10 appearances, Braden Holtby is 9-0-1, with a 2.44GAA, and a .924 save percentage. A 2.44 GAA places him in 6th and his SV% 4th among top 10 goalies, with at least 10 starts since October 18th. However, his W-L-OTL record place him first among all NHL goalies (QuantHockey).

    The Anaheim Ducks, who are just 4-4-2 in their last 10, defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues on Saturday. Ryan Getzlaf scored his 8th goal of the season just four minutes into the game. A minute and 41 seconds later, Derek Grant would add to the Ducks’ lead, as he scored his 3rd of the year. The Blues were absolutely stifled by Anaheim, despite the Ducks having lost five of their last six starts. Vince Dunn scored the singular goal for St. Louis at the 3:14 mark of the second period. The Blues received their first power play just short of six minutes into the second, as Dylan Shore was called for high-sticking. However, it was Derek Grant who would score a shorthanded goal, his 2nd of the game, and the Blues would expire their power play without a goal. Derek Grant would complete his first career hat trick as he scored an empty net goal at the 18:21 mark of the final frame. Jakob Silfverberg leads the Ducks with 9 goals and 17 assists, and Ryan Getzlaf, Adam Henrique, and Rickard Rakell are tied with 14 points each. Anaheim have just 4 wins on the road this season, but the Caps are only slightly better at home with 5. The Ducks’ power play all but bottoms out at 30 of 31, operating at just 9.1% efficiency. They allow just 2.91 goals against, on average (T-9th fewest) but they average 2.71 goals for (T-23rd), which, for the 2nd place Capitals, should be easy to overcome (TheScore, Anaheim Ducks). Versus the Blues, the Ducks were outshot 38 to 25, but goaltender John Gibson allowed just one goal (TheScore, ANA @ STL). Gibson, who has won 7 of 16 starts, is expected to start for Anaheim tonight.

    Carl Hagelin skated in a non-contact jersey this morning, and despite still being listed as day-to-day, staff suggests that he is improving. He will not dress tonight, and thus, will miss his sixth straight game. Nic Dowd’s injury seems to have been more severe than first anticipated, and did not skate this morning. We will continue to update this article as we receive further information from the Washington Capitals. The Anaheim Ducks will be without Patrick Eaves (IR-NR, undisclosed), Ryan Kesler (IR-NR, hip), Hampus Lindholm (DL, undisclosed), and Josh Manson (DL, knee).

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

     

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    References:

    HockeyReference. (2019). 2018-19 Washington Capitals Schedule and Results. Retrieved from https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/WSH/2019_games.html.

    TheScore. (2019). Anaheim Ducks News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/21.

    TheScore. (2019). Anaheim Ducks @ St. Louis Blues. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/22035.

    QuantHockey. (2019). 2019-2020 NHL Goalie Stats. Retrieved from https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/seasons/2019-20-nhl-goalies-stats.html?sd=2019-10-18&ed=2019-11-17.

  • Don’t Poke the Bear: Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins

    Don’t Poke the Bear: Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins

    Washington Capitals (14-3-2) vs Boston Bruins (12-3-4)

     

     Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsBraden Holtby9-1-33.06 / .903% / 0
    Boston BruinsJaroslav Halak4-1-22.68 / .918% / 1

     

    The Washington Capitals will play their second game of a back-to-back tonight versus the Boston Bruins. Luckily, they have defined themselves as ‘road warriors’, as they are 9-1-1 on the road, and 7-1-1 against Eastern Conference teams. Despite dropping their last four games, the Bruins are still ranked first in the Atlantic Division and have not yet lost in regulation at TD Garden. The Caps and Bruins last played on February 3rd of 2019, where just a single goal decided the winner, and it was David Krejci of Boston who scored it. However, the Capitals won the two other meetings with the Bruins, including a 7-0 shutout on the eve of Washingtons’ combined home-opener/Championship banner raising.

    Last night, the Washington Capitals ended a 13-game point streak after losing 5-2 to the Montreal Canadiens. Washington played with just 11 forwards, and seven defensemen, after calling up Tyler Lewington from the Hershey Bears earlier in the day. As a result, we saw double-shifting from top nine forwards, and Lewington filling in on the fourth line center position, as well as on defense. The first 10 minutes were ALL CAPS, as play remained in the Habs’ defensive zone for much of the period, and the Capitals’ forecheck was extremely aggressive. Washington fell behind slightly in the second half of the first frame, and Montreal took full advantage, though Ilya Samsonov stopped all 15 shots he faced. The second period, in which the Capitals had dominated in goal-scoring, saw four goals from the Canadiens, each from four different players. Phillip Danault started off the scoring at the 6:22 mark, as he deceivingly snuck the puck past Samsonov. The Habs’ second goal, coming from Shea Weber, resulted directly from a defensive breakdown between the circles, and Samsonov was hung out to dry. Just over two minutes later, Jordan Weal scored his 3rd of the season. The first penalty of the game was called at the 12:36 mark of the second period, as Garnet Hathaway was called for tripping (TheScore, MTL @ WSH). Just moments after the Capitals successfully killed off the penalty, Nick Suzuki improved the Habs’ lead to four goals. The third period saw the only Capitals’ power play of the game, with Jeff Petry going off for interference. Just over a minute into the power play, Alex Ovechkin, from his office, scored his 14th goal of the season, and just his 2nd goal at home. Many fans, myself included, considered a spoiled shutout for Carey Price the singular bright spot of the night.  10 minutes later, Evgeny Kuznetsov, who had already taken the majority of the Caps’ faceoffs, scored his 9th of the season, bringing Washington within two. However, Tomas Tatar, who had already registered three assists, scored an empty net goal, securing Montreals’ win, after head coach Todd Reirden elected to pull Samsonov for the extra skater. Since no one likes +/- ratings, let’s talk Corsi for a moment, also known as shot-attempt differential at even strength. Stat heads like myself prefer to utilize this value over +/-, because it generally gives a better idea of in-game contributions. Brendan Leipsic was the only player of the night with a + corsi rating, totaling +3 (TheScore, MTL @ WAS). With Samsonov having played last night, Braden Holtby is expected to start for the Capitals tonight.

    Boston also played last night, where they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-2 on the road. After losing their last four games, Boston head coach Bruce Cassidy was looking to his veterans to beat the team that they are nearly guaranteed to play in the first round of the playoffs, year in and year out. Charlie Coyle got the Bruins on the board at the 13:48 mark of the first period. David Pastrnak was called for interference shortly thereafter, but Bostons’ penalty kill successfully kept Toronto off the board. As the Leafs’ power play expired, Nicholas Shore was called for holding, and Bostons’ 3rd ranked power play unit would hope to add to their lead (TheScore, Boston Bruins). Neither team would score again until the 9:20 mark of the second, when Auston Matthews scored his 14th of the season. Boston ranks 5th in goals for, averaging 3.56 goals per game, and they also allow the 4th fewest goals against, averaging 2.5 goals per game (TheScore, Boston Bruins). Brad Marchand would give the Bruins a 1-goal lead just 11 seconds into the third period, and less than three minutes later, Kasperi Kapanen would score, tying the game. Just as quickly as Kapanen tied the game, Brad Marchand would score his second of the game, and his 13th of the season, a goal of which would be the eventual game-winner. Andreas Johnsson would be called for tripping at the 11:11 mark, which isn’t very lucky, but Boston would not convert on their second power play opportunity. Just under the 17 minute mark of third period, four-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron would go off for slashing, and like Boston, Toronto was unable to score with the extra skater. With 90 seconds remaining, Zdeno Chara secured Bostons’ win with an empty net goal, giving the Bruins a 4-2 lead. David Pastrnak, who leads his team, and the league, in goals (16G), has just one point in his last four games. It is worth noting that nine, yes, nine, of his goals have come on the power play. After starting the season with points in 13 straight games (31P in 18 games), and five assists coming versus the New York Rangers on October 27th, Pastrnak, as he usually does, has gone cold for the moment. The Washington Capitals absolutely cannot let this Czech winger get behind their defense. Or offense, for that matter. Because he is one of those skaters who, given an inch, will take a mile. Or four. Brad Marchand leads the Bruins with 19 assists, and is close behind ‘Pasta’ with 30 points (TheScore, Boston Bruins). A right winger leads the Bruins in hits, with 47. That’s right. A forward, not a defenseman, and that wingers name is Chris Wagner. Arguably the most physical player on the squad, Wagner, who averages 13:37 TOI per night, is a heavy hitter, so sparks will likely fly between these teams tonight. Tuuka Rask stopped 29 of 31 shots, ending his night with a .935 save percentage (TheScore, BOS @ TOR). However, as they too will be playing the second game of a back-to-back, former Capitals’ goaltender Jaroslav Halak is slated to start tonight. In 21 career games VERSUS the Washington Capitals, Halak is 9-10-0, with a .900 SV% and 2.80 goals against (HockeyReference).

    Nic Dowd and Carl Hagelin are both listed as ‘OUT’, and timelines to return are unknown at this point. We will continue to update this article as we receive further information from the Washington Capitals. Due to tight salary cap restrictions, the Capitals have recalled forward Travis Boyd and goaltender Vitek Vanecek, and have reassigned Ilya Samsonov and Tyler Lewington to the Hershey Bears. Vanecek will serve as back-up goaltender to Braden Holtby tonight. The Boston Bruins have been to hell and back with their lengthy laundry list of injuries. See below:

    1. D- John Moore (IR-NR, shoulder)
    2. D- Kevan Miller (IR-NR, kneecap)
    3. D- Tory Krug (OUT, upper body)
    4. LW- Anton Blidh (IR-NR, shoulder)
    5. LW- Jake DeBrusk (DL, lower body)
    6. RW- David Backes (DL, upper body)
    7. RW- Brett Ritchie (OUT, upper body)
    8. RW- Zach Senyshyn (DL, lower body)
    9. RW- Karson Kuhlman (DL, leg)

    It is expected that none of these nine players will play tonight.

     

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

     

    References:

    HockeyReference. (2019). Jaroslav Halak Career Splits.Retrieved from https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/halakja01/splits/.

    TheScore. (2019). Boston Bruins News & Stats. Retrievedfrom https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/1.

    TheScore. (2019). Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs. Retrievedfrom https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/22020.

    TheScore. (2019). Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals.Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/22022.

    Washington Capitals. (2019). Caps Recall Boyd and Vanecek From Hershey, Assign Samsonov and Lewington. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/caps-recall-boyd-and-vanecek-from-hershey-assign-samsonov-and-lewington/c-311381504.

  • *UPDATED* The Haves and the Hab-Nots: Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

    *UPDATED* The Haves and the Hab-Nots: Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

    Washington Capitals (14-2-4) vs Montreal Canadiens (10-5-4)

     Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsIlya Samsonov5-1-12.45 / .915% / 0
    Montreal CanadiensCarey Price9-4-22.65 / .916% / 1

    Coming off a thrilling shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals are fired up to face-off against the Montreal Canadiens tonight back in DC. In the past, the first night of a back-to-back has treated Washington well. For some context, Washington played 12 back-to-backs last season. Eight of the ‘first-night’ games resulted in wins, and on three occasions, the Caps were able to win both games (HockeyReference). During the 2018-19 season, the Capitals defeated the Habs in 2 of 3 meetings, once at home, and once on the road. The last time these two teams played, Washington beat Montreal 2-1, with the first goal of the night coming from former-Canadien Lars Eller. That win also guaranteed another Metropolitan Division title for the Capitals.

    The Washington Capitals, who lead the league in points, goal-scoring, wins, and goal-differential, have scored at least two goals in every game, and that streak also continued tonight (NHL.com). Wednesday nights’ smack-down with the Flyers definitely wasn’t their best performance of the season, but the Capitals still managed to snag two points with a 2-1 shootout win. Caps’ defenseman Radko Gudas expressed his desire to ‘stick it’ to his former team, and he did just that. Gudas committed five hits of his own, tied for the most in one game with captain Alex Ovechkin. Just past the six-minute mark of the first period, Brendan Leipsic scored his 2nd goal of the season, giving the Capitals a lead that would hold as the only goal of the game, for 48 minutes (NHL.com, Washington Capitals). John Carlson was credited with the primary assist, and improved his record to points in 16 of 20 games. Washington held the Flyers to just five shots on goal in the first period, whereas the Caps more than tripled up theirs. Claude Giroux, who I reported only had four goals through 17 games, finally got the Flyers on the board, six minutes and 38 seconds into the final frame. The goal came on the Flyers’ 4th power play of the game, after Nic Dowd went off for tripping. Jakub Vrana served the minor penalty, as Dowd suffered a hand injury prior to committing the penalty. Sometimes, the best player on the ice will be your goalie, and that was certainly the case last night. In the second, Philadelphia doubled up 12 shots to the Caps’ six. At the end of regulation, Braden Holtby had allowed just one goal on 27 shots faced, his best showing of the season thus far. Tied at one goal apiece, the Capitals and Flyers would head to overtime for what felt like the 100th time in 20 games. Although both teams had a handful of prime opportunities, both Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Carter Hart for the Flyers were simply unbeatable in the overtime period. Sudden death 3-on-3 overtime concluded without a winner, so for the third straight game for Philadelphia, a shootout would decide who will steal an extra point with the win. The Washington Capitals have gone to overtime or a shootout five times in their last eight games, and the Philadelphia Flyers, five in their last six. Jakub Voracek would shoot first, but Braden Holtby successfully stopped his attempt. Versus the Coyotes, TJ Oshie missed his attempt, but this time, he snuck the puck past Carter Hart, giving the Capitals a one-nil advantage. Claude Giroux, who scored the single Flyers’ goal, tricked Holtby with his questionable stop-on-a-dime deke. Luckily for the Capitals’, Evgeny Kuznetsov would beat Hart, and Holtby would stop Philadelphias’ third shot attempt, securing Washingtons’ 14th win. The win would assure that a 12-game point streak was extended to 13. Ilya Samsonov, who still has just one regulation loss (a game in which he was calling in to relieve Holtby), is expect to start tonight for the Capitals.

    The Montreal Canadiens were last active on Tuesday night, where they defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, also in a shootout. Montreal currently ranks 6th in goals for, scoring an average of 3.44 goals per game, as compared to Washingtons’ 1st place 3.85 goals for. The Habs rank 9th in shots on goal at 33.5%. but are 10th in shooting percentage, which is good for the Capitals and their goalies. Montreals’ special teams aren’t spectacular, with their power play operating at 20.7% efficiency, good enough for 14th overall, and their abysmal penalty kill, at 73.7% (28th place) (TheScore, Montreal Canadiens). Only the Los Angeles Kings (31st in standings), Winnipeg Jets (13th in standings), and Detroit Red Wings (29th in standings) have worse penalty kill percentages (NHL.com, NHL Hockey Standings). Joel Armia leads the team with three power play goals, and Tomas Tatar, Shea Weber, and Jeff Petry each have two. Impressively enough, the Canadiens have eight players with 10 or more points, and all but four players on their roster have at least one goal. Brendan Gallagher leads with eight goals, closely followed by Jonathan Drouin (7G). In their meeting with Columbus, Eric Robinson for the Blue Jackets would start the scoring, tallying his first NHL career goal. The entire second period was fairly uneventful, though the Canadiens successfully killed off two Columbus power plays. At the 3:27 mark of the third period, Brendan Gallagher would score for Montreal, tying the game 1-1. With just under two minutes remaining, Zach Werenski broke the tie, giving Columbus a one-goal lead. However, Tomas Tatar, in scoring his 6th goal of the season, re-established a tie-game, nearly guaranteeing at least a single point for Montreal. The 3-on-3 overtime period was scoreless, though Columbus registered three shots on goal to Montreals’ zero (TheScore, CBJ @ MTL). In the shootout, both Cam Atkinson and Paul Byron missed their shots, and Gustav Nyquist missed in the second round. Jonathan Drouin successfully scooped the puck past Blue Jackets’ back-up goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. With both third round shooters failing their attempts, the Montreal Canadiens would be the winner of this match, 3-2. Veteran goaltender Carey Price ended the night with a .943 save percentage, having stopped 33 of 35 shots faced, and is expected to start tonight (TheScore, Carey Price).

    Nic Dowd and Carl Hagelin are both listed as day-to-day with upper body injuries. Earlier today, we reported that Dowd skated solo this morning, and Hagelin was first on the ice for the Capitals’ optional practice. Neither Nic nor Carl are slated for tonights’ lineup. As of 3:00pm this afternoon, the Washington Capitals have called up defenseman Tyler Lewington from the Hershey Bears. This post will continue to be updated as we obtain more thorough information regarding the status of Dowd and Hagelin. The Montreal Canadiens are without Jesperi Kotkaniemi (DL-Groin).

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

    References:

    Hershey Bears Hockey. (2019). Capitals Recall Tyler Lewington. Retrieved from https://www.hersheybears.com/news/detail.php?id=6021.

    HockeyReference. (2019). 2018-19 Washington Capitals Schedule and Results. Retrieved from https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/WSH/2019_games.html.

    TheScore. (2019). Carey Price: Stats, Age, News. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/s/12465602.

    TheScore. (2019). Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21999.

    TheScore. (2019). Montreal Canadiens News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/3.

    NHL.com. (2019). NHL Hockey Standings. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/standings/2019/league.  

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15.

    NHL.com. (2019). Washington Capitals – Philadelphia Flyers. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-phi/2019/11/13/2019020283#game=2019020283,game_state=final.

  • A Battle in the City of Brotherly Love: Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers

    A Battle in the City of Brotherly Love: Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers

    Washington Capitals (13-2-4) vs Philadelphia Flyers (10-5-2)

     

     Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsBraden Holtby8-1-33.25 / .898% / 0
    Philadelphia FlyersCarter Hart6-3-12.71 / .893% / 1

     

    The Washington Capitals made the short drive up to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to take on the Flyers before heading right back to DC to face the Canadiens on Friday. Despite dropping their last game versus the Arizona Coyotes, the Capitals have not lost in regulation since mid-October, and are riding a 12-game point streak, of which they’ve picked up at least one point (TheScore, Washington Capitals). The last time the Capitals played the Flyers was back in March, where they defeated Philadelphia 3-1 at Wells Fargo Center.

    The Washington Capitals lost 4-3 in the shootout to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night. With just two wins in their last six games, Arizona played desperate. Clayton Keller of the Coyotes started off the scoring at the 14:15 mark of the first period, establishing a 1-0 lead. Each team received a power play in the first period, but neither the Caps nor the Coyotes converted. To start the second, Christian Fisher scored his first goal of the season, a goal that, much to the surprise of fans in attendance, would be reviewed, and ultimately ruled as a good goal. Just 30 seconds later, on what seemed to be the Coyotes 100th breakaway of the game thus far (hyperbole), Michael Grabner scored, adding to Arizona’s already-cushy lead. Just by looking at the score, it would be easy to assume that rookie goal-tender Ilya Samsonov was exclusively at fault for the three goals by the Coyotes, but fatal defensive breakdowns and falling behind plays directly led to each goal. Swallowed whistles by the referees allowed Arizona to take advantage of missed calls, and the Capitals suffered. Evgeny Kuznetsov would score the Capitals’ first goal of the game at the 8:47 mark of the second, re-instilling some of the hope that Caps’ fans had seemed to lose. The Capitals would receive a late second period power play, but did not score in the last 30 seconds of the period, or the first 1:30 of the final frame. Kuznetsov would score his second of the game two minutes and 23 seconds into the third period, bringing the game within reach for the first time of the night. Washington held the Coyotes to just 6 shots on goal in the third, and Samsonov stopped all six. With under a minute and a half remaining, and the Caps’ down by one, TJ Oshie would score the game-tying goal, his 9th of the season. Capital One Arena exploded, and the fans broke out into chants of ‘TJ OSHIE! *clap clap clap*’, as it seemed that Washington truly could complete another monumental comeback. For the 5th time in 8 games, extra time would be required. Just over halfway through the overtime period, TJ Oshie scored his second of the night, a goal that fans and teammates alike believed to be the overtime game winning goal. Exuberant joy that was, after what seemed like an eternity, fleeting. Officials determined that the preceding play was off-sides, and thus the goal was overturned. The remainder of the overtime period expired, and now an individual skills competition would be what decided the winner and the loser. At that moment, the Capitals’ fate was all but sealed. Although the Capitals had won their last shootout, Arizona had too, and backup goaltender Antti Raanta stopped nearly every shot he faced. Shootout hero TJ Oshie missed his shot, and Nick Schmaltz made his. Evgeny Kuznetsov missed, and Conor Garland was then the one to win it for Arizona. Ilya Samsonov stopped 32 of 35 shots faced, excluding shootout attempts, ending the night with a .914 save percentage (TheScore, ARI @ WSH). The Capitals are hoping to come back from the loss tonight, and Braden Holtby is expected to start.

    The Philadelphia Flyers are riding a four-game win streak, after defeating the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Their second consecutive shootout win came on the second night of a back-to-back, where the night prior they had defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in a shootout. This was Philadelphia’s third consecutive game requiring extra time. Interestingly enough, each of those three wins came from 3-2 victories. This is the first time that Washington will play against former defenseman Matt Niskanen after trading him for Radko Gudas in the off-season. Niskanen, the only Stanley Cup champion on the Flyers’ roster, has established himself as a difference-maker for Philadelphia, scoring two goals of his own, and tallying six assists through 17 games (NHL.com). The Flyers are 6-1-1 at home, and boast the second-best face-off percentage (yes, again) at 54% of all face-offs taken (TheScore, Philadelphia Flyers). In their game versus the Bruins, Philadelphia actually established a two-goal lead in the first period that would hold until the six-minute mark of the third period. Travis Konecny scored his 8th of the season just short of the 14-minute mark of the first and Phillipe Myers, his 3rd at the 17:56 mark. Konecny leads the team with 19 points, and is tied with Oskar Lindblom for most goals with eight (TheScore, Philadelphia Flyers). Three of Lindbloms’ goals and two of Konecnys’ have come on Philadelphia power plays. Flyers’ veterans Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier have just 9 goals between the two of them. Only three penalties were called in all of regulation, and neither team converted on their respective power plays. Danton Heinen would score Bostons’ first goal of the night six minutes into the final frame, and everyone’s favorite Brad Marchand scored the game-tying goal, his 11th of the season, at the 12:22 mark of the third. The overtime period saw a power play for the Flyers, but would expire with 2 shots on goal by Philadelphia, and one by Boston. Flyers rookie Joel Farabee, in his 2nd shootout appearance, would ultimately win the game in the shootout for Philadelphia. Both teams were held to less than 30 shots throughout the entire game, and Carter Hart tallied his 6th win of the season, stopping 26 of 28 shots faced, excluding the shootout (TheScore, PHI @ BOS). Hart is expected to start versus the Capitals tonight.

    Carl Hagelin did not practice yesterday, and did not travel with the team to Philadelphia. He is still listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury, but speculation is mounting regarding if and when he will return to the lineup. Philadelphia will be without Scott Laughton (DL-finger), Samuel Morin (OUT-knee), and Nolan Patrick (IR-NR-head).

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:30pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 7:00pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:30pm.

     

     

    References:

    NHL.com. (2019). Matt Niskanen Stats & News. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/player/matt-niskanen-8471702.

    TheScore. (2019). Arizona Coyotes @ Washington Capitals. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21996.

    TheScore. (2019). Philadelphia Flyers @ Boston Bruins. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21993.

    TheScore. (2019). Philadelphia Flyers News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/9.

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15.

  • Veteran’s Day Showdown in DC: Washington Capitals vs Arizona Coyotes

    Veteran’s Day Showdown in DC: Washington Capitals vs Arizona Coyotes

    Washington Capitals (13-2-3) vs Arizona Coyotes (9-6-2)

     

      Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsIlya Samsonov5-1-02.38 / .915% / 0
    Arizona CoyotesAntti Raanta2-1-23.12 / .912% / 0

     

    The Washington Capitals are the team to beat. Leading the league in wins, points, goal-scoring, goal differential, shot percentage, and riding a six-game win streak, Washington has set franchise records and established themselves once again as a dominating powerhouse in just a month and a half’s’ time. Tonight, the Capitals will face the Arizona Coyotes, who are 9-6-2 and just a smidgen over .500 on the season. The last time Washington faced the desert dogs was in December 2018, where the Caps won 4-2.

    On Saturday night, the Washington Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 at Capital One Arena. Many speculated there would be some fist-throwing between Tom Wilson and the infamous Ryan Reaves, and during the Caps’ pregame skate, the two exchanged pleasantries. Although the two did not drop the gloves, there was plenty of beef between the 2018 Stanley Cup Champions and the 2018 Stanley Cup Losers. Less than 60 seconds past puck drop, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his 6th goal of the season, giving the Capitals an early 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Tom Wilson scored his third goal in two games, thus adding to the Caps lead, and extending his three-game point streak to four. With all of the first period scoring coming within the first 10 minutes, Max Pacioretty scored his 5th of the season, cutting the Caps’ lead in half. Washington received two power plays in the first period, but were unable to convert on either. Radko Gudas was called for interference with just seconds remaining in the period, and therefore, Vegas would start the second on the power play. Fortunately, the Capitals were able to kill off the remainder of the Gudas penalty. 15 minutes into the second period, Jonas Siegenthaler, on the anniversary of his NHL debut, scored his first NHL goal, re-establishing the Capitals’ 2-goal lead. Siegenthaler leads the team in blocked shots (39) and has been absolutely pivotal in the retooling of the penalty kill (NHL.com, Jonas Siegenthaler). Shortly thereafter, Garnet Hathaway would be called for elbowing, and the Golden Knights would receive their second power play, but this time, Riley Smith would sneak the puck past Braden Holtby, once again cutting into Washingtons’ lead. After the horn signaling the end of the second period, both the Capitals and Golden Knights got into it, and Vegas again, would start the subsequent period on a power play. The Capitals again successfully killed off the two-minute roughing minor, and kept Vegas off the board for the remainder of the game, holding them to just two goals. At the 11:30 mark, Nicklas Backstrom would score the Capitals singular power play goal of the night, doubling up 4-2 over the Golden Knights. Vegas head coach Gerard Gallant would elect to pull Marc-Andre Fleury with two minutes remaining in the game, and after about 10 shot attempts, Nicklas Backstrom would score his second of the game, an empty-net goal, sealing the Caps’ 6th consecutive win. Braden Holtby ended the night with a .938 save percentage, allowing just two goals on 32 shots. Ilya Samsonov, who has not lost a single game of those he has started, is expected to play tonight versus the Arizona Coyotes.

    The Arizona Coyotes, having also played on Saturday, lost to the struggling Minnesota Wild after blowing a three-goal lead in the second period. The Coyotes haven’t been awful to start off the season, though they have lost their last three, won just two of their last six, and are 5-4-1 in their last 10. Michael Grabner and Jakob Chychrun gave Arizona a two-nil lead heading into the first intermission. However, the Minnesota Wild, who have been bad thus far, rallied together, scored three in the 2nd, and a fourth in the final frame, to defeat the Coyotes, 4-3. A power play goal from Mikko Koivu brought the game back within reach for the Wild, and although Vinnie Hinestroza scored the Coyotes’ third goal five minutes later, that would be the last goal scored by Arizona. Kevin Fiala and Matt Dumba both scored before the second period expired, tying the game at three goals each. Ryan Hartman would score the eventual game-winning goal less than five minutes into the final frame. Last season, Arizona boasted one of the best power play and penalty kill units in the league, but just a year later, both are ranked 20th and 22nd respectively (TheScore, Arizona Coyotes). The Coyotes, however, are tied for second fewest goals allowed at 2.41, compared to the Capitals’ 3.06, good enough for T-18th (TheScore, Arizona)(TheScore, Washington). Nick Schmaltz, who was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks last November in exchange for Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini, leads Arizona in points and assists with 15 and 11, respectively. Conor Garland, in his second season in the NHL, leads the Coyotes with 7 goals. Former Hershey Bears defenseman Aaron Ness was acquired by Arizona, and in 7 games, has just one point, courtesy of a single assist. Darcy Kuemper, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, is 7-5-0 in 12 games played, but back-up goaltender Antti Raanta is expected to start for Arizona tonight.

    Yesterday, the Washington Capitals placed defenseman Tyler Lewington on waivers, with the intent to send him back down to Hershey. Roster space was needed, as Richard Panik, who has been on injured reserve, is expected to play tonight. Panik last played October 16th, versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he suffered an upper body injury. Carl Hagelin and Travis Boyd were not present for today’s morning skate. The Arizona Coyotes will be without the services of Niklas Hjalmarsson (DL- lower leg), and Marian Hossa (IR-NR, illness). Jason Demers, who is listed as day-to-day with a lower body injury, is undetermined.

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

     

    References:

    NHL.com. (2019). Jonas Siegenthaler Stats & News. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/player/jonas-siegenthaler-8478399.

    TheScore. (2019). Arizona Coyotes News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/24.

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15.

  • UPDATED: Nighty-Knight: Washington Capitals vs Vegas Golden Knights

    UPDATED: Nighty-Knight: Washington Capitals vs Vegas Golden Knights

    Washington Capitals (12-2-3) vs Vegas Golden Knights (9-5-3)

      Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington Capitals Braden Holtby 7-1-3 3.36 / .895% / 0
    Vegas Golden Knights Marc-Andre Fleury 9-3-1 2.40 / .924% / 1

     

    After an abbreviated one-game road trip, the Washington Capitals are back in D.C. to take on the Vegas Golden Knights as they try to extend their win-streak to six games. Through 17 games played, 10 have been on the road, and the Capitals have only failed to snag a point just once. The Capitals last played the Golden Knights almost a full year ago, in Vegas, where they ultimately lost 3-5. Fans will never forget the game, as it was during that game when infamous goon and press-box regular Ryan Reaves targeted Capitals’ winger Tom Wilson, committing a blind-sided headshot that knocked Wilson out of commission. Following that game, it had been rumored that Reaves had agreed to sign photos of Tom Wilson laid out on the ice after the hit, where I then personally contacted the memorabilia shop in Las Vegas to confirm the allegations. But tonight, the Capitals will be out to avenge the Knights, and re-establish themselves as the better of the two teams. Besides, one of these teams are Stanley Cup Champions, and the other allowed four goals on a five-minute power play.

    The Washington Capitals defeated the Florida Panthers for just the second time in eight meetings on Thursday night. Many anticipated that, like in games past, this would be a high-scoring affair, despite decent goaltending on both sides. Thursday’s match was the first time Washington would face former winger Brett Connolly, since the Panthers signed him to a 4-year/$14 million dollar contact as a free agent in Summer 2019. It was also the Caps’ first opportunity to face goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky since having signed with Florida as well. Characterized by early and late goals, this game was arguably the fastest, most physically demanding game yet for the Capitals. Defenseman John Carlson tallied his 8th goal of the season just 25 seconds into the first period, establishing an early Washington lead. But before the game was two minutes old, Frank Vatrano had tied the game. But that was just the start. Brett Connolly would ultimately add to Florida’s lead, as he scored his 6th goal of the season, with just over five minutes remaining in the first period. The second period was extremely penalty-heavy, but the Capitals improved penalty kill was able to hold the Panthers to just one power play goal on five opportunities. Aleksander Barkov established a two-goal lead 27 seconds into the second. Alex Ovechkin brought the Capitals within one on the power play, and six minutes later, he would score his 13th of the season, and second of the game, tying the game at 3-3. A late goal by Evgenii Dadonov re-established Florida’s lead, but that lead was short lived. Tom Wilson scored the game-tying, and singular, goal of the third period, with his 6th goal coming just 44 seconds after puck drop. The Capitals would hold off the Panthers for the remaining 19 minutes, and yet again, this match would require overtime. After a game-changing stop by Braden Holtby in the Caps’ defensive end, John Carlson gained possession and skated back towards Bobrovsky, with the eventual-game-tying goal scorer Tom Wilson. A perfect pass drew Florida’s goaltender out and allowed Tom Wilson to lift the puck over Bobrovsky, winning it for Washington. Braden Holtby’s 32 save performance improved his record to 7-1-3, and he is expected to start for the Capitals tonight versus the Vegas Golden Knights.

    Vegas last played on Thursday as well, where they lost 1-2 in overtime to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Watching this game was like watching paint dry. The Golden Knights are 5-2-3 in their last 10 and have dropped four of their last six. Toronto received two power plays in the first, and two in the second, but were unable to score, even on Vegas’ backup Malcolm Subban. The Golden Knights received one power play in each period, but likewise, were unable to score. It took 44 minutes for either team to score the first goal of the game. Max Pacioretty scored in the fourth minute of the final frame to put the Golden Knights on the board, but four minutes later, Auston Matthews finally scored on a Leafs power play, re-establishing a tie, but this time, with actual goals. Like the Capitals, this game as well would need overtime, and it was John Tavares who scored the game-winner at the 2:33 mark of the 3-on-3 period. Mark Stone, who proved to be a worthy mid-season acquisition for the Golden Knights last year, leads the team with 18 points, and Riley Smith leads with 9 goals. The Vegas penalty kill, at 89.2%, is 2nd in the league, but the Golden Knights also accumulate the 3rd most penalty minutes, averaging 10.7 per game (TheScore, Vegas).

    UPDATED: Carl Hagelin will not play tonight, as he is currently day-to-day with an upper body injury. Nic Dowd is expected to play tonight, which would be his first game since October 29th, where he suffered a lower body injury and did not finish the game. Richard Panik, who has been on the injured reserve list since the middle of October, is eligible to play versus the Arizona Coyotes on Monday (TheScore, Washington). Vegas forward Valentin Zykov is in the middle of serving a 20-game suspension for performance enhancing drugs, a fate that Nate Schmidt faced last season. Alex Tuch is out (again) with an upper body injury that he suffered versus Winnipeg on November 2nd  (NHL.com, Alex Tuch). His first injury of the 2019-20 season came on September 19th versus the LA Kings, an injury that sidelined him until Halloween.

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

     

     

    References:

    NHL.com. (2019). Alex Tuch Stats & News. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/player/alex-tuch-8477949.

    TheScore. (2019). Vegas Golden Knights News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/102.

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15.

  • Going Streaking in Sunshine, Florida: Washington Capitals vs Florida Panthers

    Going Streaking in Sunshine, Florida: Washington Capitals vs Florida Panthers

    Washington Capitals (11-2-3) vs Florida Panthers (7-3-4)

      Predicted Goaltender Record GAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington Capitals Braden Holtby 6-1-3 3.30 / .895% / 0
    Florida Panthers Sergei Bobrovsky 6-2-3 3.36 / .882% / 1

     

    The Washington Capitals are currently riding a four-game win streak, and are hoping to extend that to five games when they take on the Florida Panthers tonight at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida (TheScore, Capitals). Last year, the Panthers were the team that the Capitals just couldn’t figure out. Their last meeting came April 1st, as the Caps fell to the Cats 3-5. Prior to that loss, Washington lost 5-4 in overtime in February. Their first meeting, which came October 19, 2018, saw goalie changes for both teams. After allowing four goals in the first period, Pheonix Copley came in to relieve Braden Holtby. The Capitals came back and scored four unanswered goals in the second, and the Panthers ultimately pulled Jeremy Reimer, and sent in Michael Hutchinson. In the third, the Panthers would score again, as would the Caps, and the game went into overtime. Neither team would score in overtime, and Copley would see his first career shootout, in which Jonathan Huberdeau would score the game winner (NHL.com, Capitals). This will be the first time the 2019-20 Capitals play against former Cap Brett Connolly, and former Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Can the Capitals rewrite history against the Panthers?

    On Sunday, the Washington Capitals extinguished the Calgary Flames in a 4-2 home victory. Prior to puck drop, the Capitals held an on-ice celebration to honor the World Series Champions Washington Nationals. Through the course of the last three seasons, the two teams have expressed outrageous support for one-another, attending games for the respective teams. From chugging beers through t-shirts, pouring beer into fans mouths, and shirtless Zamboni rides, this was a game you really didn’t want to miss. Jakub Vrana would score his first career hat-trick (TheScore, Calgary Flames @ Washington Capitals). Andrew Mangiapane would actually score first, as he put the Flames up 1-0 just under six minutes into the first period. However, at the 11:01 mark, Jake ‘The Snake’ Vrana would start off an unforgettable night of goal-scoring as he tallied his 7th goal of the season. Four minutes later, he scored his 8th goal. While fans were hyped and excited for all the games’ festivities, the nerves never seemed to disappear. Seconds before the end of the 1st, Elias Lindholm tied the game at two goals apiece. 15 minutes into the second period, Vrana would score his third of the night, rounding out his first hat-trick of his career, giving Washington a 3-2 lead. Lars Eller scored his 5th goal of the season on the power play 2 minutes and 20 seconds into the third, re-establishing Washingtons’ 2-goal lead. The period would remain goal-less for the Flames, and the Capitals walked away with their 11th win of the season. Ilya Samsonov picked up his 5th win, and is actually undefeated in games he has started (TheScore, Calgary Flames @ Washington Capitals). Samsonov’s only loss came versus the Colorado Avalanche when he relieved Braden Holtby of his duties, after allowing 3 goals on 3 shots. Braden Holtby is expected to start tonight versus the Panthers.

    The Panthers have not played since Saturday November 2nd, where they shut out the Detroit Red Wings 4-0. Goals from Brett Connolly and Aleksander Barkov in the first, and two goals from Jonathan Huberdeau, one in the second and third, gave Florida their second consecutive win for only the second time through 14 games. The Panthers rank second overall in shots on goal (34.8), but they allow 29.4 shots against (TheScore, Florida). Jonathan Huberdeau leads the team in goals and points with 9 and 18 respectively, but former Capitals winger Brett Connolly isn’t far behind. Through 14 games, Connolly boasts 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points (TheScore, Florida). After signing an absolutely massive contract worth $70 million over seven years with the Panthers back in July, expectations were high for goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. However, his start in the Sunshine State hasn’t been stunning. His first shutout of the season improved his record to 6-2-3, but Bobrovsky only faced 22 shots on goal from Detroit, and his GAA and save percentage needs some work. He was pulled and replaced by backup Sam Montembeault versus the Vancouver Canucks after allowing 2 goals on 6 shots. The Cats ultimately lost that game 7-2. He is, however, expected to start for the Florida Panthers tonight.

    The Florida Panthers are without Jayce Hawryluk (OUT, upper body), and centers Vincent Trocheck and Noel Acciari are both day-to-day with lower body and undisclosed injuries, respectively. Nic Dowd and Richard Panik, who have been out of the lineup with injuries, both skated with the team the other day, and Dowd may make the lineup tonight for the Capitals. Panik cannot be activated off of injured reserve until November 11th, when the Capitals play the Arizona Coyotes.

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

     

    Sources:

    NHL.com. (2019). Washington Capitals Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/capitals/schedule/2018/ET/fullseason.

    Sports Illustrated. (2019). Sergei Bobrovsky Agrees to Seven-Year, $70 Million Contract With Panthers. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nhl/2019/07/01/sergei-bobrovsky-contract-free-agency-panthers.

    TheScore. (2019). Calgary Flames @ Washington Capitals. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21944.

    TheScore. (2019). Florida Panthers News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/13.

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News & Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15.

  • Through the Fire and the Flames, We Carry On: Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames

    Through the Fire and the Flames, We Carry On: Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames

    Washington Capitals (10-2-3) vs Calgary Flames (7-6-2)

     Predicted GoaltenderRecordGAA / SV% / # SO
    Washington CapitalsIlya Samsonov 4-1-02.46 / .913% / 0
    Calgary FlamesCam Talbot1-2-02.46 / .908% / 0

    Tonight, the Washington Capitals will take on the Calgary Flames in their second of three meetings this season. Prior to puck drop, there will be a pregame celebration to congratulate the Washington Nationals to celebrate their very first World Series Championship win in franchise history. On October 22, 2019, the Caps’ beat the Flames 5-3 on the road, with two goals coming from defenseman John Carlson. Since that game, Carlson has tallied two more goals, and one assist. Less ideally, the Flames have lost two, and won two, with both wins coming in overtime or the shootout.

    On Friday night, the Capitals kicked off the month by dominantly defeating the Buffalo Sabres, 6-1. For the Sabres, this match was a litmus test of sorts, to see just how good they are to start the season. Buffalo, sitting in third place heading into Friday’s match, with the second best power play overall, had started off the 2019-20 season similarly to last season. However, it took less than 10 minutes for Buffalo to realize they definitely have some work to do. Four goals were scored in just four minutes, two of which came off the stick of Jakub Vrana. Chandler Stephenson’s second goal of the season came 42 seconds after Vrana’s 5th, and his 6th came two and a half minutes after that. #13 Jakub Vrana’s first goal, assisted by #43 Tom Wilson came with 13:43 remaining in the period. Brendan Leipsic’s speed and impressive puck-handling finally paid off, as he scored his first goal of the season one minute and fifteen seconds after Vrana’s second. Buffalo received one power play during the first period, but the Capitals’ improved penalty kill kept them off the board. Both the Capitals’ penalty kill and power play are 5th overall, as they have killed off 85.7% of penalties taken, and are operating at 25% efficiency on the power play. Washingtons’ special teams are much improved over last seasons’ numbers (TheScore, Washington). Henri Jokiharju scored his first, and ultimately the only goal for Buffalo, just over halfway through the game, but six minutes later, Tom Wilson scored his 5th goal, re-establishing the Caps’ 4-goal lead. TJ Oshie, at the 13:43 mark, scored his 8th of the season, all but guaranteeing the Capitals’ 10th win of the season. Braden Holtby tallied his 5th win in 6 starts, stopping 29 of 30 shots faced, allowing the fewest number of goals in all 11 starts. Holtby ended the night with a .967 SV%, but backup Ilya Samsonov, who has only one loss in 5 starts, it expected to start versus the Calgary Flames (TheScore, Buffalo Sabres).

    The Calgary Flames played last night, as they shutout the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0. Goals in each period gave the Flames their 8th, and second consecutive, win of the season. Sean Monahan scored just under four minutes into the first period, a goal that would be the eventual game winning goal. Calgary did have two power play opportunities, but they were unable to convert on either. Sam Bennett added to the Flames 1-0 lead in the second, and Matthew Tkachuk scored his 7th goal of the season, an empty net goal, completing the shutout for Calgary. Elias Lindholm, who leads his team in goals, registered two assists last night, and has goals in the last three games of October, versus Winnipeg, Carolina, and Nashville (NHL.com). He also scored against the Capitals back on October 22nd. Columbus peppered Rittich with 43 shots on goal, but the veteran goaltender stopped every single one. Despite that perfect showing by Rittich, Cam Talbot is expected to start tonight, the second night in a back-to-back for the Flames.

    Nic Dowd (DTD, lower body) and Richard Panik (LTIR, upper body) skated prior to Caps’ official practice yesterday, which seems to be a step in the right direction. The Calgary Flames are still without Austin Czarnik (DL, lower body) and Juuso Valimaki (IR-NR, knee).

    Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.

     

    Sources:

    NHL.com. (2019). Elias Lindholm Stats and News. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/player/elias-lindholm-8477496.

    TheScore. (2019). Buffalo Sabres @ Washington Capitals. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21923/.

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals News and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/15.