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Category: Washington Capitals

  • 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.

  • NHL Three Stars of the Week for Oct. 28th – Nov. 3rd

    NHL Three Stars of the Week for Oct. 28th – Nov. 3rd

    Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of October 28th through November 3rd.

     

    First Star – Elias Pettersson (C, Vancouver Canucks)

    • Pettersson had three goals and six assists for nine points to lead the League in both assists and points for the week, and helped aid the Canucks to a 3-0-1 week. Pettersson would collect three assists against Florida on October 28th, then would register a four point (1g, 3a) night against Los Angeles on October 30th.On November 2nd Pettersson would score a pair of goals against San Jose to finish his week.

    Elias Pettersson 1.jpg

     

    Second Star – Jakub Vrana (LW, Washington Capitals)

    • Vrana would lead the NHL in goals (5) for the week as the Capitals recorded a perfect week. Vrana picked up an assist against Toronto on October 29th, then on November 1st Vrana would score two goals against Buffalo. Then on November 3rd Vrana would record his first career hat trick against Calgary.

    Jakub Vrana 2.jpg

     

    Third Star – Mike Smith (G, Edmonton Oilers)

    • Smith would stop 74 out of 76 shots faced in two games played as he would turn aside 23 shots in 4-1 victory over Columbus on October 30th, then on November 2nd Smith would make 51 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory over Pittsburgh.

    Mike Smith 3.jpg

     

    *All Graphics courtesy of the NHL.

     

  • NHL News and Notes from Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

    NHL News and Notes from Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

    NHL News and Notes from Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

     

    News:

    • The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that Patric Hornqvist has been placed on injured reserve. Hornqvist is considered out longer term due to a lower body injury.

     

    • After a scary moment in boston, Ottawa Senators General Manager Pierre Dorion has stated that Scott Sabourin has suffereed a fractured nose and is expected to be released from the hospital.

     

    • Calgary Flames forward Milan Lucic has been suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety.

    • Lucic was assessed two minors for roughing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kole Sherwood in Columbus Saturday night. Per the CBA, Lucic will forfeit $64,516.12 in salary.

     

    Game Recaps:

    Calgary Flames v. Washington Capitals – 7p EST Start Time

    CAL RoadWAS Home

    Jakub Vrana scores his first career hat trick as the Washington Capitals defeat the Calgary Flames 4-2 with the World Series Champion Nationals in the house. TXHT Recap

     

    Chicago Blackhawks v. Anaheim Ducks – 830p EST Start Time

    CHI RoadANA Alt

    In Anaheim the Ducks would host the Chicago Blackhawks, and it would be the Blackhawks striking first as Adam Boqvist would score his first career NHL goal to give them the lead. Then Alex DeBrincat  would score on the powerplay to give the Blackhawks the 2-0 lead going into the first intermission. Then in the second period the Ducks would cut the deficit back to one as Same Steel would score his first of the season. Then in the third period on the powerplay the Ducks would tie the game at two on a Nick Ritchie tally. However, in overtime Patrick Kane would score the game winner to give the Blackhawks the 3-2 victory.

  • Game Recap – 11/3/2019 – Calgary Flames v. Washington Capitals

    Game Recap – 11/3/2019 – Calgary Flames v. Washington Capitals

    Calgary Flames (8-6-2 18pts) v. Washington Capitals (10-2-3 23pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    In Washington the Capitals take on the Calgary Flames for the second and final time of the 2019-20 season, and after celebrating the Washington Nationals and their World Series Championship victory it would be the Flames crashing the party after a poor Dmitry Orlov pass was picked off by Matthew Tkachuk and he would quickly pass it to Andrew Mangiapane who would get it past Ilya Samsonov for the early 1-0 lead. However, the Capitals would respond in kind as Evgeny Kuznetsov would utilize his speed to generate an odd man rush and feed Jakub Vrana for the tap in to tie the game at one. The with less than five minutes left in the first period Dmitry Orlov would rip off an outlet pass to keep it in the zone and Jakub Vrana would let one rip to score his second of the game to give the Capitals their first lead of the game, but right before the buzzer went off to end the period the Flames would strike when Elias Lindhold would deflect a point shot past Samsonov with two seconds left in the period to send the game into the intermission tied 2-2.

     

    In the second period it would be a very back and forth period with not a lot of action, however, with five minutes left in the period Kznetsov would breakout Vrana who would collect his rebound and get it past Cam Talbot to collect his first career hat trick and retake the lead for the Capitals as they took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.

     

    In the third period the Capitals would get an early powerplay when Mikael Backlund would be called for tripping and near the end of the powerplay with their secind unit Tom Wilson was able to move the puck across the slot to Lars Eller who would roof it past Talbot to grow the Capitals lead to two. Then both teams would trade powerplay opportunities, but with the Flames on their second opportunity the Capitals would shut them down as they would take the 4-2 victory.

     

    Lineups:

    Calgary Flames:

    Johnny Gaudreau — Sean Monahan — Elias Lindholm

    Matthew Tkachuk — Mikael Backlund — Michael Frolik

    Andrew Mangiapane — Derek Ryan — Sam Bennett

    Tobias Rieder — Mark Jankowski — Alan Quine

    Mark Giordano — TJ Brodie

    Noah Hanifin — Travis Hamonic

    Oliver Kylington — Rasmus Andersson

    Cam Talbot

    David Rittich

    Scratched: Michael Stone

    Injured: Austin Czarnik (lower body)

    Suspended: Milan Lucic

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Jakub Vrana — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson

    Carl Hagelin — Lars Eller — Garnet Hathaway

    Brendan Leipsic – Chandler Stephenson — Travis Boyd

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Dmitry Orlov — Radko Gudas

    Jonas Siegenthaler — Nick Jensen

    Ilya Samsonov

    Braden Holtby

    Scratched: Tyler Lewington, Liam O’Brien

    Injured: Richard Panik (upper body), Nic Dowd (lower body)

     

    First Period:

    CAL Goal – 5:40 – Andrew Mangiapane (3) from Matthew Tkachuk (8)

    WAS Goal – 11:01 – Jakub Vrana (7) from Evgeny Kuznetsov (5) and Tom Wilson (6)

    WAS Goal – 15:08 – Jakub Vrana (8) from Evgeny Kuznetsov (6) and Dmitry Orlov (6)

    CAL Goal – 19:58 – Elias Lindholm (10) from Oliver Kylington (1) and Andrew Mangiapane (3)

     

    End of 1st

    11-03 v CAL.png

     

    Second Period:

    WAS Penalty – 9:43 – Jonas Siegenthaler 2 minutes for Roughing

    CAL Penalty – 9:43 – Andrew Mangiapane 2 minutes for Roughing

    WAS Goal – 15:05 – Jakub Vrana (9) from Evgeny Kuznetsov (7) and Michal Kempny (6)

     

    End of 2nd

    11-03 v CAL-2.png

     

    Third Period:

    CAL Penalty – :55 – Mikael Backlund 2 minutes for Tripping

    WAS PPG – 2:20 – Lars Eller (5) from Tom Wilson (7)

    WAS Penalty – 7:39 – Evgeny Kuznetsov 2 minutes for Tripping

    CAL Penalty – 15:32 – Alan Quine 2 minutes for Interference

    WAS Penalty – 19:03 – Dmitry Orlov 2 minutes for Delay of Game

     

    End of 3rd

    11-03 v CAL-3.png

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (11-2-3 25pts) @ Florida (7-3-4 18pts)

    Calgary (8-7-2 18pts) v. Arizona (8-4-1 17pts)

  • 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.

  • NHL News and Notes from Friday, November 1st, 2019

    NHL News and Notes from Friday, November 1st, 2019

    NHL News and Notes from Friday, November 1st, 2019

     

    News:

    • The Washington Capitals have recalled forward Liam O’Brien from Hershey of the AHL.

     

    • The National Hockey League has announced that Eddie Olczyk has been named the ambassador for the 21st Annual Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative.

     

    • The New Jersey Devils acquired goaltender Louis Domingue from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a conditional 2021 7th Round Pick.

    https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1190403251545497600?s=20

     

    Game Recaps:

    Philadelphia Flyers v. New Jersey Devils – 7p EST Start Time

    PHI RoadNJ Home

    In New Jersey the Devils would fall to the Philadelphia Flyers that would see Wayne Simmonds score his first as a Devil against his former team. The Devils would also get goals from Sami Vantanen and Taylor Hall, but the Flyers would get goals from Oskar Lindblom, Sean Couturier, and Joel Farabee (first career goal) to force overtime. Then in the shootout it would be Couturier securing the victory for the Flyers with the lone goal for the 4-3 victory.

     

    Tampa Bay Lightning v. New York Islanders – 7p EST Start Time

    TB RoadNYI Home

    On the Island the New York Islanders would take it to the Tampa Bay Lightning. While the Lightning would get goals from Yanni Gourde and Ryan McDonagh, the Islanders would outscore the Lightning with goals from Matthew Barzal, Ryan Pulock, Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, and Derick Brassard to take the 5-2 victory.

     

    Buffalo Sabres v. Washington Capitals – 7p EST Start Time

    BUF RoadWAS Home

    The Capitals would get a 2 goal game from Jakub Vrana, and 3 point games from Tom Wilson and Michal Kempny as they defeat the Sabres 6-1. TXHT’s Recap

     

    Detroit Red Wings v. Carolina Hurricanes – 730p EST Start Time

    DET RoadCAR Alt

    In Carolina the Detroit Red Wings would get a two goal game from Anthony Mantha and another goal from Tyler Bertuzzi, but it would be the host Hurricanes getting a two goal game from Sebastian Aho, as well as goals from Andrei Svechnikov, Nino Niederreiter (PPG), Martin Necas, Brock McGinn (SHG), and Teuvu Teravainen to take a commanding 7-3 victory.

     

    Columbus Blue Jackets v. St. Louis Blues – 8p EST Start Time

    CLB RoadSTL Home

    The Columbus Blue Jackets head to St. Louis to test their mettle against the Blues, and the first and second period would see both teams score the same number of goals. In the first period the Blues would score on a Robert Thomas marker, but the Jackets would respond with a Pierre-Luc Dubois goal. then in the second period Sonny Milano and Oliver Bjorkstrand (PPG) would score for the JAckets to take a 3-1 lead, but the Blues would respond with two goals in less than 30 seconds when both Brayden Schenn and Oskar Sundqvist would score to tie the game at three. then after a scoreless third period the Blues would only need eight seconds of overtime as David Perron would score on the powerplay to secure the 4-3 victory.

     

    Dallas Stars v. Colorado Avalanche – 9p EST Start Time

    DAL RoadCOL Alt

    In Colorado the Dallas Stars would get back to back goals from Roope Hintz (even strength, PPG) to take the 2-0 lead, but Nathan MacKinnon would strike on the powerplay to cut the Stars lead to one heading into the second intermission. In the third period the Stars would hold off the Avalanche to take the 2-1 victory.

     

    Vancouver Canucks v. Anaheim Ducks – 10p EST Start Time

    VAN RoadANA Home

    In Anaheim the Vancouver Canucks would outshoot the Ducks 19-5 in the first period, but it would be the Ducks getting the lone goal of the period when Jakob Silfverberg would score while shorthanded to give the Ducks the 1-0 lead. Then in the third period the Canucks would get on the board with a Adam Gaudette tally to tie the game and send it to overtime. However, in overtime Ryan Getzlaf would score the game winner to secure the 2-1 victory for the Ducks.

    https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/1190491610900942849?s=20

     

    Winnipeg Jets v. San Jose Sharks – 1030p EST Start Time

    WIN RoadSJ Alt

    In San Jose the Winnipeg Jets would get the early jump on the Sharks when Gabriel Bourque would score his first of the season to take the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Barclay Goodrow would score for the Sharks only to be answered back by Blake Wheeler for the Jets. In the third period Tomas Hertl would score to tie the game at two for the Sharks. However, the Jets would get one last goal from Nikolaj Ehlers to secure the 3-2 victroy late in the third period.

  • Game Recap – 11/1/2019 – Buffalo Sabres v. Washington Capitals

    Game Recap – 11/1/2019 – Buffalo Sabres v. Washington Capitals

    Buffalo Sabres (9-2-2 20pts) v. Washington Capitals (9-2-3 21pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    After a successful month of October that was capped off with an even more successful five game road trip to end the month, the Washington Capitals start the month of November at home against the Buffalo Sabres. In the first period the Sabres would get an early powerplay, but after the Capitals killed it off it would spark them as Jakub Vrana would score on a breakaway to to the early lead, but then less than 45 seconds later the Capitals would go on a 4 on 1 and off the tic tac toe play Chandler Stephenson would score his second of the season. Then before the game would be ten minutes old Michal Kempny would find a wide open Vrana who would one time a blast past Linus Ullmark for his second of the game. But the Capitals weren’t done there as Brendan Leipsic would score his first as a Capital on another passing play to give the Capitals the 4-0 lead less than eleven minutes into the game. In the final minutes of the period the Sabres would surge, but they would not be able to solve Braden Holtby before the first period ended.

     

    In the second period after a very quick moving first half it would be the Sabres getting on the board as Henri Jokiharju would score his first career goal to cut the Capitals lead to three. Then with a little over three minutes left in the period the Sabres would fail to clear their zone as Michal Kempney would be able to keep the puck in and wrist it from the point for a Tom Wilson tip to make it 5-1 heading into the second intermission.

     

    In the third period it would be relatively quiet for the majority of the period. The Sabres would get a late powerplay opportunity, but would not capitalize on it. Then after the Capitals killed the penalty it would be TJ Oshie scoring to put the Capitals up by five. The Capitals would get a late powerplay, but would be unable to get Vrana the hat trick goal before the final buzzer as the Capitals would go on to win 6-1.

     

    Lineups:

    Buffalo Sabres:

    Victor Olofsson — Jack Eichel — Sam Reinhart

    Jeff Skinner — Marcus Johansson — Vladimir Sobotka

    Evan Rodrigues — Casey Mittelstadt — Conor Sheary

    Zemgus Girgensons — Johan Larsson — Kyle Okposo

    Jake McCabe — Rasmus Ristolainen

    Rasmus Dahlin — Henri Jokiharju

    John Gilmour — Colin Miller

    Linus Ullmark

    Carter Hutton

    Scratched: None

    Injured: Marco Scandella (lower body), Jimmy Vesey (upper body), Brandon Montour (hand), Zach Bogosian (hip)

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Jakub Vrana — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson

    Carl Hagelin — Lars Eller — Garnet Hathaway

    Brendan Leipsic — Chandler Stephenson — Travis Boyd

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Dmitry Orlov — Radko Gudas

    Jonas Siegenthaler — Nick Jensen

    Braden Holtby

    Ilya Samsonov

    Scratched: Tyler Lewington, Liam O’Brien

    Injured: Richard Panik (upper body), Nic Dowd (lower body)

     

    First Period:

    WAS Penalty – 2:42 – Dmitry Orlov 2 minutes for Elbowing

    WAS Goal – 6:17 – Jakub Vrana (5) from Tom Wilson (4)

    WAS Goal – 6:59 – Chandler Stephenson (2) from Travis Boyd (2) and Brendan Leipsic (4)

    WAS Goal – 9:29 – Jakub Vrana (6) from Michal Kempny (3) and Tom Wilson (5)

    WAS Goal – 10:44 – Brendan Leipsic (1) from Travis Boyd (3) and Radko Gudas (5)

     

    End of 1st

    11-01 v BUF.png

     

    Second Period:

    BUF Goal – 10:40 – Henri Jokiharju (1) from Rasmus Dahlin (10)

    WAS Goal – 16:53 – Tom Wilson (5) from Michal Kempny (4)

     

    End of 2nd

    11-01 v BUF-2.png

     

    Third Period:

    WAS Penalty – 11:10 – Dmitry Orlov 2 minutes for Tripping

    WAS Goal – 13:43 – TJ Oshie (8) from Michal Kempny (5) and Alex Ovechkin (8)

    BUF Penalty – 18:24 – Johan Larsson 2 minutes for Slashing

     

    End of 3rd

    11-01 v BUF-3.png

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (10-2-3 23pts) v. Calgary (7-6-2 16pts)

    Buffalo (9-3-2 20pts) v. NY Islanders (9-3-0 16pts)

  • NHL Three Stars of October

    NHL Three Stars of October

    Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Month for the month of October.

     

    First Star – John Carlson (D, Washington Capitals)

    • Carlson lead all defensemen in goals (7), assists (16), and points (23) while also ranking third in the NHL in scoring in 14 games played. Carlson would be a catalyst for the Capitals to have the best October in franchise history (9-2-3 21pts), and only one blueliner in NHL history had more points than Carlson in a single October and that would be Calgary’s Al MacInnis in 1990.

    Oct Carlson

     

    Second Star – David Pastrnak (RW, Boston Bruins)

    • Pastrnak shared the League lead in goals with 12 and was second overall in points with 24 in 12 games played to help the Bruins to the top of the Atlantic Division, which was also a franchise best for the month of October. Paastrnak would compile all of his points during a 10 game streak to close the month.

    Oct Pastrnak

     

    Third Star – Leon Draisaitl (C, Edmonton Oilers)

    • Draisaitl led the NHL in scoring (12g, 13a, 25p) in 14 games played to lead the Oilers to first place in the Pacific Division. Draisaitl would open the month with an eight game point streak , and then closed the month with points in four straight games.

    Oct Draisaitl

     

    *All Graphics courtesy of the NHL.

     

  • Hi-Ho, Back to Washington We Go: Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres

    Hi-Ho, Back to Washington We Go: Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres

    Washington Capitals (9-2-3) v Buffalo Sabres (9-2-2)

     

    Predicted Goaltender Record (W-L-OTL) GAA / SA%/# of SO
    Washington Capitals Braden Holtby 5-1-3 3.55 / .888 / 0
    Buffalo Sabres Carter Hutton 6-1-1 2.21 / .926 / 2

     

    After a very successful five-game road trip, the Washington Capitals will kick off a home-game-heavy November schedule tonight as they take on the Buffalo Sabres. Nine of their 14 games in November will be played at Capital One Arena, so now is the chance for Washington to establish some good home-ice performances. The last time these two teams met was back in February, where the Sabres bested the Caps 5-2 in Buffalo. However, Washington did beat Buffalo two weeks in a row last December, during the peak of their season, 4-3 the day after beating Carolina 6-5, and the following Friday 2-1, where they then shutout the Ottawa Senators 4-0 the very next day. Like last year, Buffalo is in the midst of another strong start, but for how long?

    The Washington Capitals rounded out their annual October road-trip by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 4-3 win on Tuesday, courtesy of an Alex Ovechkin overtime slapshot from The Office. Andreas Johnsson scored his 4th goal of the season just 40 seconds into the game. Back to back goals from John Carlson, with the second coming on the power play, gave Washington a one-goal lead. However, Auston Matthews would tie the game with approximately thirty seconds remaining in the second period, bringing Caps’ fans to the edges of their seats once again. Less than a minute and a half into the final frame, the Leafs would receive their 7th power play of the night, thanks to another botched call made by the infamous Tim Peel. 19 seconds later, Auston Matthews would strike again, re-establishing the Leafs lead. Between the two teams, 34 penalty minutes and 15 power plays were doled out (TheScore, WAS @ TOR). Alex Ovechkin tied the game shortly after Matthews’ goal, and the Capitals were able to keep Toronto off the board for the remainder of the period. Once again, extra time was needed to decide the victor in Canada. Twenty-one seconds into the overtime period, William Nylander was called for tripping, and the Capitals received a much-needed power play. Washington was able to establish possession of the puck, and although they did not score on the first two-minute minor against Toronto in overtime, the Capitals would get a second chance. Just as the penalty against Nylander expired, Mitch Marner would be called for high-sticking, and the Caps went up an extra man for another two minutes. With 60 second remaining in overtime, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin would score the game-winning goal, guaranteeing the 9th of 10 possible points available this road-trip. The OT-GWG would mark Ovechkins’ 11th goal of the season. Despite a rough start, Braden Holtbys’ numbers are improving overall, with the veteran goaltender stopping 28 of 31 shots faced, and tallying his 5th win of the season versus Toronto. Braden Holtby is expected to start versus Buffalo tonight.

    The Buffalo Sabres are off to very similar start to last year, but with a slightly different roster. Through trades and off-season acquisitions, the Sabres added Marcus Johansson (yes, that Johansson), Henri Jokiharju, and Jimmy Vesey to their lineup. Buffalo dropped their last game to the Arizona Coyotes in a 3-2 shootout loss, but are 7-2-1 in their last 10 starts. But so are the Washington Capitals. Jack Eichel leads the team in points (17), and is tied for most goals at seven with fellow forward Jeff Skinner. It would only make sense that the two of them are perhaps the most consistent goal scorers on the roster. Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner scored the first two goals of the game, giving the Sabres a 2-0 lead, but Conor Garland and former Avalanche center Carl Soderberg tied the game 2-2. Only Nick Schmaltz would pot the puck in the shootout, winning the game for Arizona. Buffalo’s power play is no joke; operating at 29.8% efficiency, the Sabres are second only to the Boston Bruins (31%) (TheScore, Boston)(TheScore, Buffalo). Their penalty kill, however, is 20th at just under 80% (79.2%) and the team allows the 5th most shots on goal at 33.5. Although both Buffalo goalies have incredible numbers, netminder Carter Hutton allowed just 2 goals on 44 shots versus the Coyotes, sans the shootout goal, and is expected to start for the Sabres.

    The Buffalo Sabres are still without the services of Zach Bogosian (IR-NR, hip), Matt Hunwick (IR-NR, neck), Marco Scandella (lower body), Brandon Montour (DL, hand), and Jimmy Vesey (upper body) (TheScore, Buffalo). Early this morning, the Capitals recalled center Liam O’ Brien from the Hershey Bears. It is unclear who he will fill in for today. Yesterday, Evgeny Kuznetsov took a maintenance day after an awkward head/shoulders first collision in Tuesdays’ game, but is expected to play. Nic Dowd is listed as day-to-day, but did skate before practice yesterday.

    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:

    TheScore. (2019). Boston Bruins News and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/1

    TheScore. (2019). Buffalo Sabres News and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/2

    TheScore. (2019). Washington Capitals @ Toronto Maple Leafs. Retrieved from https://www.thescore.com/nhl/events/21906

  • NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

    NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

    NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

     

    News:

    • The Colorado Avalanche have announced that forward Gabriel Landeskog will be out indefinitely with a lower body injury. No timeline or details in regards to the injury has been given at this time. Kassie’s Report

     

    • The Nashville Predators have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Roman Josi to an eight year contract worth $72.47 million.

     

    Game Recaps:

    San Jose Sharks v. Boston Bruins – 7p EST Start Time

    SJ RoadBOS Home

    In Boston the Bruins would dominate the San Jose Sharks as they would get goals from David Pastrnak (PPG), David Krejci (PPG), Charlie Coyle, Chris Wagner, and Brandon Carlo to take a 5-1 victory over the Sharks. The Sharks lone goal would come from Brent Burns on the powerplay.

     

    Washington Capitals v. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7p EST Start Time

    WAS RoadTOR Home

    The Washington Capitals end their five game road trip with two goal games from Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime. TXHT Recap

     

    Tampa Bay Lightning v. New York Rangers – 7p EST Start Time

    TB RoadNYR Home

    In Madison Square Garden we would see the the New York Rangers score four unanswered goals to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning. After the Lightning got the 1-0 lead from a Nikita Kucherov goal, the Rangers would get goals from Kaapo Kakko (PPG), Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, and Ryan Strome to secure the 4-1 victory.

     

    Philadelphia Flyers v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p EST Start Time

    PHI RoadPIT Home

    In Pittsburgh the Penguins would dominate the Philadelphia Flyers right from the start as they would get goals from Justin Schultz, Jared McCann, Dominik Simon, Sydney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Zach Aston-Reese, and Dominik Kahun to win 7-1 in commanding fashion.

     

    Calgary Flames v. Carolina Hurricanes – 7p EST Start Time

    CAL RoadCAR Home

    Coming off of their overtime loss in the Heritage Classic the Calgary flames look to bounce back in Carolina as they take on the Hurricanes. However, after taking the 1-0 lead on an Elias Lindholm tally, the Hurricanes would take over as Andrei Svechnikov would score back to back goals to take the 2-1 victory.

     

    Edmonton Oilers v. Detroit Red Wings – 730p EST Start Time

    EDM RoadDET Home

    The Detroit Red Wings would play host to the Edmonton Oilers, and would get two quick goals in the first period from Dylan Larkin (PPG) and Patrik Nemeth to take the 2-0 lead. Then in the third period Leon Draisaitl would score for the Oilers, but Filip Hronek would score to seal the deal for the Red Wings in their 3-1 victory.

     

    Chicago Blackhawks v. Nashville Predators – 8p EST Start Time

    CHI RoadNAS Home

    Hours after re-signing their captain to an eight year contract, the Nashville Predators would shutout the Chicago Blackhawks as Nick Bonino would score all three goals for the Predators.

     

    Minnesota Wild v. Dallas Stars – 830p EST Start Time

    MIN RoadDAL Home

    In Dallas the Minnesota Wild would take a three goal lead late into the the second period  after getting goals from Jason Zucker, Eric Staal (PPG), and Ryan Suter (PPG), but they would give up six unanswered to Stars who would get goals from Alexander Radulov (hat trick), Roope Hintz (PPG), Joe Pavelski, and Tyler Seguin to take the 6-3 victory.

     

    Winnipeg Jets v. Anaheim Ducks – 10p EST Start Time

    WIN RoadANA Home

    In a wild west shootout the Anaheim Ducks would outlast the Winnipeg Jets thanks to a four goal second period. The Jets would get goals from Nikolaj Ehlers (2), Blake Wheeler, and Bryan Little, but the Ducks would get goals from Cam Fowler, Ryan Getzlaf, Adam Henrique, Troy Terry, Derek Grant, and a pair from Carter Rowney to claim the 7-4 victory.

    https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/1189401757631205376?s=20