For the first time since the playoffs, the Washington Capitals will play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets. (If you wanna relive the fun of the loffs series, do peruse our Blooj tag.) Normally a date with John Tortorella’s team would be a guaranteed party, but the Lumbus coach has mellowed out a ton recently – aside from the Jack Johnson chatter over the summer.
Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM on NBC Sports Washington. You can stream the game with NBCS Washington on any of your devices beginning at 6:00 PM. I have the distinct honor of providing recap duty.
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|---|---|---|
| Record | 8-6-1 | 7-4-3 |
| Shot Attempt % | 48.7% | 47.6% |
| PDO | 101.4 | 101.4 |
| Power Play | 11.9% | 34.0% |
| Penalty Kill | 84.1% | 74.5% |
Projected Lines
We’ve got some massive changes on the defense, as per Isabelle.
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Jaskin
Stephenson – Backstrom – Oshie
Vrana – Eller – Connolly
Burakovsky – Boyd – DSP
Kempny – Niskanen
Orlov – Djoos
Siegenthaler – Bowey
Holtby
CBJ vs WSH
At 5-on-5, these teams are weirdly similar. Nearly in shot attempt rates and possession, shooting, and saving. Shot quality is a real differentiator so far. Oh and special teams, where the Caps whip the llama’s behind.
| 5v5 Stat | CBJ | WSH |
|---|---|---|
| CF60 | 56.1 | 55.0 |
| CA60 | 59.0 | 60.6 |
| CF% | 48.7 | 47.6 |
| SCF60 | 27.3 | 27.9 |
| SCA60 | 25.0 | 29.8 |
| SCF% | 52.2 | 48.4 |
| HDCF60 | 12.2 | 9.5 |
| HDCA60 | 10.3 | 14.6 |
| HDCF% | 54.2 | 39.3 |
| GF60 | 3.1 | 2.8 |
| GA60 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| GF% | 52.6 | 49.9 |
| Sh% | 9.7 | 9.7 |
| Sv% | 91.6 | 91.7 |
| PDO | 1.014 | 1.014 |
Storylines
- Our pets’ heads are falling off. Brooks Orpik has ben placed on long-term injured reserve. John Carlson will miss the game with a lower-body injury.
- As a result, Jonas Siegenthaler will make his NHL debut.
- Tonight’s game features the league’s best power play going up against the league’s worst power play. Commit penalties at will! (Otherwise, these teams are eerily similar at 5v5, as you’ve seen above.)
- Someone named Patrick Holden filed a guest post about Dmitrij Jaskin being good at defense, which is a rare trait on the 2018-19 Caps.
- Monster game from Braden Holtby last time out.
- Evgeni Malkin will not be suspended for his hit on invulnerable cyborg-human TJ Oshie. I’m fine with it.
- Failure is not an option.
Tomahawk Dunk
A pal of Ian and me from back in Frederick is now a successful rapper named Cidida. We’ve featured him before. Today he released a new track featuring M1 of dead prez. It’s fantastic. Crank it.
