The Washington Capitals are starting to get banged up as today senior vice president and general manager Briam MacLellan has announced the following moves:
Placed on Injured Reserve
Carl Hagelin (LTIR, eligible to be activated on Dec. 2nd)
Nic Dowd (IR, eligible to be activated on Nov. 21st)
Re-assigned to Hershey
Vitek Vanecek (G)
Called Up from Hershey
Beck Malenstyn (F)
Michael Sgarbossa (F)
Tyler Lewington (D)
Ilya Samsonov (G)
Will Not Play Tonight
Nicklas Backstrom (F, Upper Body)
NEWS | Capitals have recalled forwards Beck Malenstyn and Mike Sgarbossa, defenseman Tyler Lewington and goaltender Ilya Samsonov from the Hershey Bearshttps://t.co/M1SU0bPPKS
#Caps Nicklas Backstrom (upper body), Nic Dowd (upper body) and Carl Hagelin (upper body) will not play tonight vs NYR and are listed as day to day. Caps place Hagelin on LTIR (eligible to be activated Dec. 2) and Nic Dowd on IR (eligible to be activated Nov. 21)
With the following moves the Capitals are feeling the sting of their injuries and crunch of the salary cap as well. Plus with Garnet Hathaway’s status for tonight and possible other games in doubt until after his hearing, it’s suffice to say that tonight’s lineup against the New York Rangers will be an interesting one to see.
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NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, November 19th, 2019
Game Recaps:
Minnesota Wild v. Buffalo Sabres – 7p EST Start Time
In Buffalo the Sabres would look to take down the Minnesota Wild, however the Wild would look to tame the Sabres as they would get two goals in the first period from Zach Parise (ESG and PPG). Then in the second period Jonas Brodin would make it 3-0 for the Wild. In the third period the Sabres would get on the board with Brandon Montour’s first of the season, but Jason Zucker would seal the dwal with his sixth of the season to give the Wild the 4-1 victory.
Philadelphia Flyers v. Florida Panthers – 7p EST Start Time
In Florida the Philadelphia Flyers would strike first as Travis Sanheim would get the Flyers on the board with his second of the season, but the Panthers would respond with goals from Colton Sceviour and Brett Connoly to take the 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Then in the second period Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau would extend their lead to three, but Morgan Frost would score his first career NHL goal in his first NHL game to cut the deficit to two. However, in the third period Mike Hoffman would score to secure the Panthers the 5-2 victory over the Flyers.
Boston Bruins v. New Jersey Devils – 7p EST Start Time
In New Jersey the Boston Bruins would schalack the Devils as Matt Grzelcyk and David Pastrnak would score two goals each, and Connor Clifton would round out the scoring for the Bruins. Blake Coleman would score the lone goal for the Devils. Brad Marchand would record three assists and David Krejci would have two assists in the Bruins 5-1 victory. Scott’s Recap
New York Islanders v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p EST Start Time
In Pittsburgh the Penguins would get the jump on the New York Islanders when Bryan Rust (PPG) and Brandon Tanev would score to take the 2-0 lead in the first period. Then in the second period Anthony Beauvillier and Brock Neslon would score for the Islanders, but Tanev would score his second of the game to regain the lead for Pittsburgh. In the third period Jake Guentzel would score on the powerplay to grow the Penguins to two, but the Islanders would get goals from Josh Bailey and Ryan Pulock to force overtime, and Brock Nelson would score his second of the game to secure the 5-4 victory.
Montreal Canadiens v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p EST Start Time
The Columbus Blue Jackets would strike early and often as they would down the Montreal Canadiens. In the first period Eric Robinson would strike for the Jackets, but Artturi Lehkonen would tie the game for the Canadiens. Then in the second period Joel Armia would give the Canadiens the lead, but Pierre-Luc Dubois would score the first of four unanswered goals to tie the game going into the second intermission. In the third period Emil Bermstrom, Boone Jenner (PPG), and Dubois (second of the game) would all score to give the Blue Jackets the 5-2 victory.
Ottawa Senators v. Detroit Red Wings – 730p EST Start Time
The Detroit Red Wings looks to take down the visiting Ottawa Senators. In the first period the Senators would strike first as Anthony Duclair would score his eighth of the season, but the Wings would get goals from Robby Fabbri and Valtteri Filppula (SHG) to take a 2-1 lead. Then in the second period Duclair would score his second of the game, and then Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Brady Tkachuk would score to take the 4-2 lead. Anthony Mantha would score for the Red Wings in the third period, but the Senators would hold on to win 4-3.
Tampa Bay Lightning v. St. Louis Blues – 8p EST Start Time
In Pat Maroon’s homecoming to St. Louis since winning the Stanley Cup last summer, the Tampa Bay Lightning would fall to the Blues. Anthony Cirelli would score on the powerplay for the Lightning, but the Blues would respond with three unanswered goals as David Perron would score shorthanded in the second period, and in the third period Oskar Sundqvist and Jaden Schwartz would both score shorthanded goals to take the 3-1 victory.
Winnipeg Jets v. Nashville Predators – 8p EST Start Time
The Winnipeg Jets and the Nashville Predators would play a tightly contested matchup as the Jets would take the road victory with goals from Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers as they defeated the Predators 2-1. The Predators lone goal would come from Nick Bonino.
Carolina Hurricanes v. Chicago Blackhawks – 830p EST Start Time
The Carolina Hurricanes came into Chicago with a surge as Martin Necas would score in the first period to take the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Andrei Svechnikov and Nino Niederreiter would score to take the 3-0 lead into the third period. However, the Blackhawks would find their stride in the third as Erik Gustafsson and Connor Murphy would score to cut their deficit to one, but the Hurricanes would hold on as Sebastian Aho would score into the empty net for the 4-2 victory.
Vancouver Canucks v. Dallas Stars – 830p EST Start Time
In Dallas the Stars would shine over the the Vancouver Canucks. Jamie Benn would score a pair of goals for the Stars, and Taylor Fedun, Miro Heiskanen, Justin Dowling, and Corey Perry would all strike to give the Stars the 6-1 victory. Bo Horvat would score the lone goal for the Canucks.
Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames – 9p EST Start Time
The Colorado Avalanche would continue their dominance over the Calgary Flames as they would win a tightly contested matchup on the road. In the first period Andre Burakovsky would score back to back goals to give the Avalanche the 2-0 lead. Then in the second period Vladislav Kamenev would grow the lead to three. However, the Flames would get a second period goal from Derek Ryan, and a third period tally from Andrew Mangiapane to cut the deficit to one, but the Avalanche would hold on to win 3-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Vegas Golden Knights – 10p EST Start Time
In Vegas after a scoreless first period Cody Glass would score a second period powerplay goal to give the Golden Knights the 1-0 lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then in the third period the Leafs would respond with goals from Jason Spezza and Zach Hyman (PPG), the Knight would get goals from Tomas Nosek, Mark Stone, and Cody Eakin to take the 4-2 victory.
Edmonton Oilers v. San Jose Sharks – 1030p EST Start Time
In San Jose the Edmonton Oilers would score three goals in the first period as Markus Granlund, Zack Kassian, and Jujhar Khaira would all score for the Oilers, however, Kevin Lebanc would score for the Sharks to trail the Oilers 3-1 going into the first intermission. James Neal would tally for the Oilers in the second period, and in the third period Connor McDavid would seal the deal as the Oilers would defeat the Sharks. Barclay Goodrow would score for the Sharks in the third as they fell to the Oilers 5-2.
New Jersey Devils (7-9-4 18pts) vs Boston Bruins (13-3-5 31pts)
Game Recap:
Tonight the New Jersey Devils come back home briefly to host the Boston Bruins. Unfortunately for the Devils they ran into arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference and were ultimately outmatched. Boston would strike twice within 14 seconds in the first period as they got goals from Matt Grzelcyk and David Pastrnak. New Jersey was unable to score and would fall behind 2-0 going into the second period.
New Jersey would get their only goal of the game in the second period as Blake Coleman would get his fifth goal on the season at the 18:11 mark. However, Coleman’s goal wouldn’t matter as the Bruins went onto score 3 more times. Bruins goals came from David Pastrnak and (league leading 19th, Matt Grzelcyz each with their second of the game, and native New Jerseyan Connor Clifton. Boston took this game by a final score of 5-1.
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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Yesterday the New Jersey Devils placed goaltender Cory Schneider on waivers as they are planning to send him to their AHL affiliate the Binghamton Devils. Cory Schneider’s play in net has taken a significant drop over the last few years in the National Hockey League. Last season was especially difficult for Schneider as he battled injuries and his overall record was 6-13-4 with a 3.06 goals against average. It took Cory Schneider until February 3rd of 2019 to get his first win of the season. Schneider’s production was at his best during the 2015-2016 season for the Devils as he compiled a 27-25-6 record with a 2.15 GAA and .924 save percentage. The numbers of games started by Cory Schenider has gone down from 60, 40, 26, & to only 6 starts so far this season. The Devils are hopping by Schneider going down to the minors, that he will be able to practice things he might not have time to focus on and hope to regain his form that made him a sought after trade commodity when they acquired him back at the 2013 NHL draft from the Vancouver Canucks for the 9th overall draft pick which became eventual Canucks captain Bo Horvat.
Reaction:
I think this is good for both the Devils and Schneider so he can get a “re-set” and attempt to get his game back together. Cory Schneider still has some talent left in the tank even at age 33 and has certainly faced some adversity the last two years of his career as he’s battled some injuries. Also, MacKenzie Blackwood has been very steller in net so far for the Devils this season and they want to give him the opportunity to keep growing and see what they have in the young netminder.
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NHL News and Notes from Monday, November 18th, 2019
News:
On November 17th, St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist was fined $7,392.47, maximum allowed under the CBA, for charging Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson.
St. Louis’ Oskar Sundqvist has been fined $7,392.47, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Charging Anaheim’s John Gibson.
The New Jersey Devils made a couple of moves as they recalled goaltender Louis Domingue from Binghamton of the AHL, and have placed goaltender Cory Schneider on waivers with the purpose of assignment to Binghamton.
Anaheim Ducks v. Washington Capitals – 7p EST Start Time
The fireworks would explode as the Washington Capitals defeat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2. TXHT Recap
Los Angeles Kings v. Arizona Coyotes – 9p EST Start Time
In Arizona the Coyotes play host to the Los Angeles Kings, and in the first period the Coyotes would strike twice as Conor Garland would net his tenth of the season and Derek Stepan would strike on the powerplay to take the 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Then in the second period Jakob Chychrun would score on the powerplay to grow the Coyotes lead to three. The Coyotes would hold on in a scoreless third period to take the 3-0 victory over the Kings.
Anaheim Ducks (10-9-2 22pts) v. Washington Capitals (15-3-4 34pts)
Game Recap:
Coming off their 3-2 shootout victory against Boston, the Washington Capitals look to build on their momentum against the visiting Anaheim Ducks. In the first period the Capitals would need only 50 seconds to break the tie and take the first lead of the game as Richard Panik would score his first as a Capital off of a beautiful Travis Boyd pass to take the one goal lead. The ducks would get a late powerplay opportunity, but the Capitals would shut them down going into the first intermission.
In the second period the Capitals would get their first powerplay opportunity of the game, and it would be the captain Alex Ovechkin from his office with his 15th of the season to give the Capitals the two goal lead. Theni in the final minute of the period there would be an explosion as Brendan Leipsic would throw his weight around and lay out two heavy hits to discombobulate the Ducks in their own zone and Chandler Stephenson would be the recipient of a Garnet Hathaway pass to take the 3-0 lead, but the goal would be overshadowed with the melee that would ensue as Leipsic would take on three Ducks at the same time the goal was scored and would result in Hathaway and Nick Ritchie to be tossed from the game, and a total of 50 penalty minutes between the two teams.
In the third period after killing off the lone powerplay that would come out of the second period powder keg, the Capitals would strike once again as Jakub Vrana would find his own rebound and bank it past John Gibson to give the Capitals the 4-0 lead. However, on a TJ Oshie double minor for high sticking, the Ducks would strike as Sam Steel would score his first of the season to cut the Capitals lead to three. Nicolas Deslauriers would score to cut the Capitals lead to two, but Tom Wilson would deflect the puck into the empty net to give the Capitals the 5-2 victory.
Lineups:
Anaheim Ducks:
Rickard Rakell — Ryan Getzlaf — Max Jones
Devin Shore — Adam Henrique — Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie — Sam Steel — Troy Terry
Nicolas Deslauriers — Derek Grant — Carter Rowney
Michael Del Zotto — Cam Fowler
Josh Mahura — Erik Gudbranson
Brendan Guhle — Korbinian Holzer
John Gibson
Ryan Miller
Scratched: Ondrej Kase, Jacob Larsson
Injured: Josh Manson (lower body), Hampus Lindholm (lower body)
Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of November 11th through 17th.
First Star – Connor McDavid (C, Edmonton Oilers)
McDavid would lead all skaters with 10 points (3 goals and 7 assists) in three games played for the Oilers. On November 12th, McDavid would open up his week with an assist against San Jose, then on November 14th he would record his sixth career hat trick, along with three assists for a career high of six points against Colorado. Then on November 16th, McDavid would record three assists against Dallas to close the week.
Second Star – Nathan MacKinnon (C, Colorado Avalanche)
MacKinnon ranked second in goals (4) in three games for the Avalanche last week. To start his week MacKinnon would factor in all four goals (2 goals and 2 assists) in the Avalanche’s 4-0 victory on November 12th against Winnipeg. Then on November 16th he would record 2 goals and an assist against Vancouver to end the week.
Third Star – Keith Yandle (D, Florida Panthers)
Yandle would record multiple point games in all three games he appeared in for the Panthers and would lead all defensemen with 8 points (1 goal and 7 assists) for the week. On November 12th, Yandle would open his week with a three point (1 goal and 2 assists) against Boston. Then on November 14th against Winnipeg he would record two assists, and on November 16th against the New York Rangers, Yandle would record three assists to close out the week.
*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL.
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Washington Capitals (15-3-4) vs Anaheim Ducks (10-9-2)
Predicted Goaltender
Record
GAA / SV% / # SO
Washington Capitals
Braden Holtby
10-1-3
2.97 / .904% / 0
Anaheim Ducks
John Gibson
7-9-0
2.83 / .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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NHL News and Notes from Sunday, November 17th, 2019
Game Recaps:
Calgary Flames v. Vegas Golden Knights – 7p EST Start Time
The Vegas Golden Knights would put out the Calgary Flames with a six goal performance that would see the Knights explode for four goals in the third period to secure the 6-0 victory. The Knights would get goals from Paul Stastny, Max Pacioretty, Cody Eakin, Mark Stone, and a pair of goals from William Karlsson, who would score the first goal and last goal of the game.
Buffalo Sabres v. Chicago Blackhawks – 7p EST Start Time
The Chicago Blackhawks would play host to the Buffalo Sabres, and the Blackhawks would get a two goal effort from rookie Kirby Dach as they would route the Sabres 4-1. Jack Eichel would score his fifth goal of the weekend for the Sabres while Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews would score the other two goals for the Blackhawks. The win would mark the fourth straight victory for the Blackhawks as they go two games over .500.
