Alex Ovechkin stands on the brink of yet another NHL accomplishment. With his next goal, the Caps Russian superstar will break Sergei Fedorov’s record for most career goals scored by a Russian-born player.
Fedorov will be in attendance at the game. Last night he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and tonight he will be honored by the Red Wings.
Once the actual hockeying starts, you may notice something peculiar: the Red Wings aren’t that good this season. They rank 29th in score-adjusted shot-attempt percentage. Here’s their 4-game rolling shot-attempt percentage compared to the Caps.
*enter muscle emoji here*
Travis Yost had some good insight earlier this season on what’s up with the Wings.
Puck drops at 7:30 PM on the Plus.
| Team | Record | Possession | PDO | Power Play | Penalty Kill |
| Washington Capitals | 10-3-0 | 55.3% | 100.2 | 22% | 84.6% |
| Detroit Red Wings | 7-6-1 | 46.8% | 102.1 | 18% | 82.4% |
Projected Lineup
Well, this isn’t so much a projection, but what they ran at the morning skate. Jay Beagle is a game-time decision, and Barry Trotz said the lines will get shuffled if he’s not playing.
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Oshie
Johansson – Backstrom – Burakovsky
Chimera – Latta – Williams
Laich – Stephenson – Wilson
Orpik – Carlson
Alzner – Niskanen
Orlov – Schmidt
Holtby
Nothing Compares 2 U
There is only one song on the planet that is an appropriate dedication to Mike Green. Miss you, bae.
Storylines
- The Red wings have a hockey player named Michael Green. Get to know all about him, won’t you.
- Seriously, read that post on Green. Peter is one of my favorites to read and this may be the best thing he’s ever written.
- Alex Ovechkin is coming for your stupid sticks, Greenie.
- Green says “oh yeah? I dare ya!”
- Ovechkin, when he’s not plotting to break Green’s
heartsticks is appearing on Men in Blazer’s. - The Iron Sheik took notice of our captain.
- Dimitri Filipovic has a tremendous article about the Capitals’ phoenix-like trajectory.
- One thing we’ve all noticed about Ovechkin is his insane shot.
- In the latest from the “team doesn’t put player in best position to succeed department”, Trotz is asking Tom Wilson to walk a fine line.
Wrestling
If Green and Ovechkin’s feud took place in the WWE, who do you think would be pushed as the babyface? Who would have the better catchphrase? Would you rather a no-holds-barred match or a hell in a cell?
