None of these people is Braden Holtby (Photo: Capstagram)
“We got our asses kicked in the first quarter, but it’s time we get up off the mat.”
The Caps lost game one. That’s the past. This is game two.
One of the dozen shots Ovi fires will hit the back of the net. Nick Backstrom will be used to maximum effect. Karl and Niskanen will remind us all how great they were during the regular season. Holtby will be healthy enough to play.
Islanders lead the series 1-0.
7 PM. Verizon Center, CSN, NBCSCN. Do the thing.
| Team | Record | Possession | PDO | Power Play | Penalty Kill |
| Washington Capitals | 45-26-11 | 51.9% | 100.3 | 25.3% | 81.2% |
| New York Islanders | 47-28-7 | 53.5% | 99.1 | 18.7% | 78.0% |
Projected Lineup
Some changes, but perhaps not the ones you were hoping for. Via Alex Prewitt and delivered in cryptic emoji:
Forwards
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Defense
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Goaltender
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An Aspirational Song for Nicky and Alex
They skated 7 minutes of 5v5 together last game, so I think it’ll happen.
Storylines
- Braden Holtby is not feeling well. He’s expected to play, but in case he’s unable, Philipp Grubauer has been called up from Hershey. Justin Peters is getting really good at Candy Crush.
- Tom Wilson has been cleared to play and play he will. We don’t know if he actually had a concussion or just one of those lingering head injuries that definitely aren’t concussions.
- With Willy healthy, his roommate Michael Latta loses his sweater. He’ll join Andre Burakovsky in the press box. Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.
- Among the many things the Caps did poorly on Wednesday: the power play.
- That’s why they were such cranky pants in the post-game.
- Looking for more? Check out the Caps Clips, because this is a lot of work.
We Need Some Angry John
