Caps Morning Skate Highlights and Updates: Discover Fresh Insights
The Washington Capitals face the San Jose Sharks in the second game of a three-match homestand. The Capitals are coming off a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens, where Connor McMichael scored the game-winner. Washington aims to break a six-week trend of following victories with losses, hoping to secure consecutive wins for the first time since their six-game winning streak concluded on December 3 with a 7-1 win against the Sharks in San Jose.
Recent Performance Overview
In the last 19 games, the Capitals have managed a record of 7-8-4, resulting in a points percentage of .474. This places them 23rd in the league and 11th in the Eastern Conference during that timeframe. Each of Washington’s last seven victories has been immediately followed by a loss, indicating a pressing need to capitalize on this homestand before a challenging six-game road trip follows.
Defensive Efforts Against the Canadiens
Despite Jakob Chychrun’s absence due to illness, the Capitals’ defense effectively limited Montreal to just one goal during 5-on-5 play. Key performances came from:
- John Carlson: Nearly 28 minutes of ice time, leading the team in shots (seven) and blocked shots (three).
- Rasmus Sandin: Assisted in all three goals and logged a season-high 23:43 of ice time.
- Shorthanded Play: Several defensemen logged significant ice time during a critical 5-on-3 penalty kill.
Van Riemsdyk mentioned the importance of killing off the 5-on-3 penalty, stating it shifts momentum in a tight game. The Capitals improved their offensive game in the latter parts of the last match, significantly increasing shot attempts and scoring opportunities.
Rising Stars Contributing
Young players have made notable contributions to the Capitals’ offense, with:
- Ethen Frank: Scored 10 goals in his last 27 games, marking a recent multi-goal game.
- Ryan Leonard: Recorded 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 20 games.
- Justin Sourdif: Accumulated 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 25 games.
These players have provided crucial support during a challenging part of the season, helping the Capitals remain competitive in the playoff race.
Player Insights
Hendrix Lapierre, another young talent, seeks to enhance his playtime and impact on the team. His average ice time has dipped, and he is focused on elevating his performance to match that of his teammates. Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the need for players to earn their minutes through reliability and consistent performance.
Lapierre is looking to harness his speed and make impactful plays, drawing on advice from more experienced teammates. His goal is to simplify his game and contribute more effectively offensively.
Goaltending Matchup
Logan Thompson will start for the Capitals, vying for his 18th win of the season with a strong recent performance. He holds an impressive record against the Sharks, including a shutout in previous encounters.
On the other side, Alex Nedeljkovic will make his 200th NHL appearance with San Jose, after stints with Carolina, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. He is currently looking for a rebound season with the Sharks.
Projected Lineups
Here’s how both teams are expected to line up:
Washington Capitals
- Forwards: Ovechkin, Strome, Frank; Protas, McMichael, Leonard; Milano, Lapierre, Leason; Duhaime, Dowd, Beauvillier
- Defensemen: Fehervary, Carlson; Chychrun, Roy; Sandin, van Riemsdyk
- Goaltenders: Thompson, Lindgren
San Jose Sharks
- Forwards: Chernyshov, Celebrini, Graf; Eklund, Wennberg, Toffoli; Regenda, Misa, Gaudette; Goodrow, Ostapchuk, Reaves
- Defensemen: Orlov, Klingberg; Ferraro, Liljegren; Dickinson, Iorio
- Goaltenders: Nedeljkovic, Askarov
As the Capitals prepare for this match, the focus remains on overcoming challenges and leveraging offensive contributions from emerging players to secure a much-needed victory.
