We took a ‘it’s toooo cold’ hibernation day and skipped practice this morning. Lots of tweet updates for you below!
Capitals Practice
Niskanen is skating with the team, albeit in a no-contact Jersey. That’s a step forward. He didn’t last the full practice, which is not grand. Coach says all was planned and he is progressing according to that plan. Wait and see for Saturday.
Coach wants to keep changing it up during practice, especially with the long breaks they have between games.
Niskanen is on the ice in a light blue non-contact jersey.
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) January 4, 2018
Nisky participating in non-contact Jersey this morning. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/LprcGUMFcc
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 4, 2018
And then….
Niskanen just left practice early. Was out there for about 45 minutes. (Came on the ice early before practice). He missed last game with an upper-body injury.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 4, 2018
Oshie remains on the #Caps’ top line with Ovechkin and Backstrom.
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) January 4, 2018
Some changes in the net…
I suppose Kuznetsov is auditioning to be the #Caps’ emergency goalie. His butterfly wasn’t great. But his poke check was on point. pic.twitter.com/qRcP8gLYts
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) January 4, 2018
It’s just Grubauer taking shots on Kuznetsov. #Caps pic.twitter.com/0GDFLwptyG
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) January 4, 2018
Capitals
It’s hockey weather for #CapsCasinoNight! We can’t wait to see everyone this evening! 🎲🎰🃏🏒
Tickets are still available at https://t.co/BMmK1XFRHU. pic.twitter.com/l728epxgQv
— MSE Foundation (@MSEFndn) January 4, 2018
Ovi Ovi Ovi
There are reasons Alex Ovechkin is an All-Star captain again.
Like all of these. pic.twitter.com/nlXHbixe6U
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) January 4, 2018
Trade Rumors and musings have begun!
Very possible, especially the way Chandler Stephenson has developed. Lars only counts $3.5M against the cap, but he's getting paid $4.75M this year. If Eller plays well down the stretch & playoffs then Caps could work to bring him back. https://t.co/3Br64h6jOj
— Ed Frankovic (@EdFrankovic) January 4, 2018
Yepyepp, tho 44 retire helps alot. I see it like this: $78M-$82M will help the Caps a ton (UFA – 4, 20, 39, 74, 83; RFA – 22, 25, 31, 43, 91); Bears (UFA – Simpson, Albert, Peluso, Ness, Sill; RFA – Carlson, Barber, Lew, McG, LOB, Boyd)
— QMCS USN (@QMCS_USN) January 4, 2018
As the Max Pacioretty rumours heat up, we look at some possible trade destinations for the #Canadiens captain. (@Dixononsports)https://t.co/WVzHtkQsmp pic.twitter.com/T1MJg0sRF5
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 4, 2018
#Caps will be off on Friday and will practice on Saturday at 10:30 am at @KettlerIceplex
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 4, 2018
NHL and other Hockey News
International hockey head wants NHL back for 2022 Olympics https://t.co/BTbTzsIqul
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) January 4, 2018
Russian defenceman Vladislav Syomin has been suspended for one game due to the check to the head infraction in the quarter-final game against Team @USAHockey. He will serve it at his next IIHF championship with @RussiaHockey_en. https://t.co/eJxnER4uCQ #WorldJuniors
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) January 4, 2018
NHL announces #FlaPanthers at #Bruins game tonight postponed because of blizzard.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) January 4, 2018
The NHL has fined Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (!) for diving. Since it's a $2,000 fine, that means it's his second violation.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 4, 2018
Here's how you can win a seat in the 100 level to 2 Caps game for just $5 https://t.co/HDa9HRKYsy
— RMNB (@russianmachine) January 4, 2018
All Star Reactions
Get a load of these beauty threads courtesy of @adidashockey for the #NHLAllStar Game! pic.twitter.com/WF1LGbgf2p
— NHL (@NHL) January 4, 2018
2018 #NHLAllStar Weekend … let’s do this!! ☝🏿 pic.twitter.com/WKOIl9k7MC
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) January 4, 2018