The Washington Capitals continue to play the role of “host” this evening as the Pittsburgh Penguins waddle into town for a Wednesday night showdown. Right now the Pens are trying to end their four game losing streak while the Capitals are hoping to click, like the lines did last time, and gain another win. The most important thing to know about the game is that the Nicklas Backstrom 600th assist ceremony will be taking place before puck drop. I’m very excited to watch him be a tad uncomfortable over all the attention.
Puck drop will take place at 7:30 PM on NBC Sports Washington. You can stream the game with NBCS Washington on any of your devices beginning at 6:30 PM. Peter Hassett will be bringing you the recap to end your night.
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|---|---|---|
| Record | 6-4-3 | 6-4-3 |
| Shot Attempt % | 48.9% (19th) | 49.8% (16th) |
| PDO | 101.2 | 101.0 |
| Power Play | 23.1 (12th) | 36.6% (1st) |
| Penalty Kill | 81.6 (11th) | 75.0% (25th) |
Projected Lines
Isabelle from the Washington Post continues to be our Lord and Savior of the lines. We’re assuming Holtby gets the start, but otherwise no changes:
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Jaskin
Stephenson – Backstrom – Oshie
Burakovsky – Eller – Connolly
Vrana – Boyd – DSP
Orlov – Niskanen
Kempny – Carlson
Djoos – Bowey
Holtby
50/50 Raffle
If you are attending the game tonight, I IMPLORE you to take part in the 50/50 raffle. No, I’m not pressuring you to gamble and I’m not trying to convince you to do it because I’m biased (since I love a good 50/50 raffle). But, the money this evening is going to help the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh. This is important and it would be really wonderful to see your support.
Some things are bigger than hockey.
Thank you to the @Capitals and @MSEFndn for helping to raise money for the victims and families of the Tree of Life Synagogue. https://t.co/4tQTsmNJA5
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 7, 2018
Storylines
- Andre Burakovsky has an extremely normal hockey superstition. Very normal. Nothing weird here. Nope, just an average thing.
- The Chicago Blackhawks made a move that I, personally, would not have made.
- TJ Oshie will always come through for your desperate moments. I’m now listing him as my emergency contact.
- The #BackstromBlessings continue to come. Tonight, we’re getting a ceremony honoring his 600th assist. On November 9th, Nick Backstrom will be wearing some special skates for Hockey Fights Cancer night.
- Here’s what MLB jerseys would look like as hockey jerseys.
- It’s about time we got a video of Alex Ovechkin on the other side of the hibachi grill. I wonder if he has a frequent user card or if he just has “a booth” at the grill yet since he’s always there.
- I’m upset that I didn’t run into Ilya Samsonov and Sergei Shumakov in NYC during their day off, but they look like they had a marvelous time.
- TJ Oshie got a Wario tattoo on his leg after the Stanley Cup win. The worst Mario Kart character in my opinion, but whatever.
- Evgeny Kuznetsov makes me laugh at least once every single game. Last game? He just hid the puck in his skates to force a faceoff and it’s hysterical.
Malkin and Crosby
Sportsnet posted a video of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. I can’t sit here and say it wasn’t cute, it’s actually a cute video. But, the best part about the whole thing was the moment the interviewer asked, “Did you guys watch the Stanley Cup Final last year?” There was a small pause and they both responded with a chuckle, “No.” Malkin was quick to also add, “But I know who win.”
Yes you do, Evgeni. Yes you do.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Pens
Headline photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America
