On Wednesday, Barry Trotz confirmed it was unlikely Jay Beagle would play in Game One of the Capitals first round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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Head Coach Barry Trotz on Jay Beagle's status and the anticipation heading into Game 1 tomorrow #CapsJackets #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/N13M1CWYgz
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 11, 2018
“He hasn’t skated with us, so I would say he’s doubtful for tomorrow,” Trotz said to the media, following practice on Wednesday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. “As soon as I get the word that he can go, he’s going. But I don’t have to worry about him being in shape, or anything like that.”
The Capitals Twitter account went further, declaring Beagle out for Thursday’s game.
Per Barry Trotz – Jay Beagle will not play Game 1 tomorrow #CapsJackets
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 11, 2018
When asked what the Capitals have been missing, beyond faceoffs, with Beagle out of the lineup, Trotz said, “Jay [Beagle] drives a lot of different things. Obviously the right hand faceoffs is his trademark. [He’s] one of the best in the league.”
Beagle has been skating after practice to stay in good game shape.
Beagle is getting in a pretty good skate… pic.twitter.com/B3LHW8wLtX
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) April 9, 2018
Chandler Stephenson has been centering the fourth line in Beagle’s absence. Stephenson is expected to start in that role for Game One.
“Come playoff time, everybody’s got an all in attitude,” Trotz said. “Hopefully the guys, Chandler [Stephenson], are stepping in those roles so they’ll make up for the loss of Jay.”
