Wow – was that a great weekend or what?!?!?
The Capitals were back at it on Monday after a day off to warm up from the outdoor game. They were in an unusually good mood. Maybe having a couple of wins under their belts has inspired them.
For starters, Devante Smith-Pelly was not on the ice today. He reportedly has a lower body issue and will travel west with the team. Alex Chiasson or Travis Boyd could step in if needed. Latest word is that DSP could be in the game against the Ducks on Tuesday evening, according to Coach.
They ran lots of skill trials and worked on the special teams today. Pushing each other under the bark of Coach Trotz.
Coach taking control… #caps pic.twitter.com/O3il3I6hH5
— FriendsinColdPlaces (@inColdPlacesDC) March 5, 2018
A lot of their success will depend on the abilities of the defense against three of the top four teams in the Western Conference.
We know that John Carlson is workhorse for the team – read our latest thoughts on him. We know we have some great goalies and the defense has the potential to stop them in their tracks – especially with the addition of Michal Kempny.
Love us some Alex Ovechkin. He hit 40 goals on Saturday and could hit 600 on the road. We sure hope so. Trotz seems to think it is a done deal and has a good bit of confidence in Ovi’s playing ethics.
We still have some concerns about TJ Oshie’s performance. He didn’t inspire us at practice, unfortunately. He certainly is working hard to find the back of the net, but then there was this, that had a few of us puzzled…
In the net Osh – we want it in the net… #caps pic.twitter.com/zXVh1UXGmD
— FriendsinColdPlaces (@inColdPlacesDC) March 5, 2018
They pulled the nets together for a little scrimmage. Team Red won it and Team White had to skate really really fast because they lost. LOL
When your side doesn’t win… #caps #allcaps pic.twitter.com/CprD8BBMKg
— FriendsinColdPlaces (@inColdPlacesDC) March 5, 2018
Practice lines today:
Ovi Backy Willy
Vrana Kuzy Oshie
Connolly Eller Burky
Stephenson Beagle Boyd
Defense Pairs
Kempny Carly
Orlov Nisky
Orpik Djoos
Chiasson was there, cutting in and out with rushes. Doesn’t look to have a role for the next game.
It is always good to leave for a long road trip feeling energized after a big win. And there is that surprise factor too – like Tom Wilson??
Leaving today, this is how the Caps rank in the standings. This is a good thing. Lets hope they move closer to solidifying their position while on the road.
