Home / News / Michal Kempny will play, Jay Beagle ‘possible’ for Game Two

Michal Kempny will play, Jay Beagle ‘possible’ for Game Two

By Donya Abramo

 0 Comment

April 14, 2018 3:47 pm

On Thursday, Michal Kempny took a hit from the Blue Jackets Josh Anderson which left his status for Game Two uncertain. He joined Jay Beagle (upper-body injury), and Travis Boyd (sickness), who were also out of the lineup heading into the playoffs.

The Caps had practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Saturday. Kempny, Beagle, and Boyd were all back on the ice. However, TJ Oshie was absent for a maintenance day, as reported by The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan.

Following practice, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz, Kempny, and Beagle all spoke to the media about what to expect from the lineup for Game Two.

Video

“[Kempny]’s been a real good add for us. Obviously his skating, and his poise, have been a real addition to us,” Trotz said. “We played last game with five defense. That slowed us up a bit, and it was pretty taxing on a lot of our guys. At the same time, [Kempny] is now fresh, and we’re looking forward to having him right back.”

Trotz also offered further updates on TJ Oshie, who was not at practice, as well as Boyd and Beagle, who have both been out of the lineup since the end of the regular season.

“Oshie wasn’t on the ice. Maintenance. He will be on the ice tomorrow,” Trotz said of Oshie’s absence at practice. “Boyd was obviously on the ice with [Jay Beagle], so they’re all possible.”

As for how Beagle’s absence has affected the team, Trotz said, “Jay is one of those guys you don’t probably value him as much until you don’t have him. As a coach I have a lot of value for him.”

“Jay Beagle doesn’t put up high numbers, but he gives you everything he’s got,” Trotz added. “The one place he can make a difference is in that face off circle. It’s all about that starting with the puck, and he gives us an advantage with that.”

Michal Kempny, who had stitches and a cut across the bridge of his nose, also provided an update on how he felt about returning to the lineup for Sunday.

“I feel very good. I have just [a] couple of stitches. Nothing too much,” Kempny said of his injuries.

“I wanted to go back,” Kempny added. “The doctors didn’t let me go. I had to scratch it. I’m ready to go.”

Jay Beagle also provided an update on his status. Beagle is possible for Sunday, but not a confirmed return.

“It’s been really good getting back to skating with the guys, putting on a jersey where you’re allowed to get hit,” Beagle said. “It’s still coach’s, and doctor [Jason] Serbus’ call. But my mindset is I’m preparing to play.”

The lines at practice, per The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan, were as follows:

Connolly took Oshie’s place on the second line. With Oshie expected back on Sunday, the lines will likely have one final shuffle before Game Two.

Philipp Grubauer will also be the goaltender getting the start.

, , ,