The Washington Capitals held their first playoff practice on Tuesday morning at Kettler. It was John Carlson’s first practice back with the team, and although Barry Trotz wouldn’t confirm or deny if Carlson would play on Thursday, he took rushes with Karl Alzner during practice on Wednesday.

The practice was a bit more serious and way more fast than usual. The good guys came focused and are in good spirits about Game One tonight.

Enjoy the photos below and then continue getting pumped up with our new hype video. Puck drop will be here before you know it.

Photos: Cara Bahniuk