The Washington Capitals’ real long homestand ends today, which is 11/11 btw. After the Caps dispatch (maybe?) the Coyotes, they’ll hit the road – America and Canada’s middle west to be specific – for dates with Minny, Winny, the Avs, and Habs. But first they’ll have to find an answer to Arizona, who are getting a terrific performance out of defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson so far.
It’s a matinee game, starting at 5:00 PM on NBC Sports Washington. You can stream the game with NBCS Washington on your phone or whatever beginning at 4:00 PM. Chris Cerullo will be recappin’ for ya.
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|---|---|---|
| Record | 7-7-1 | 7-5-3 |
| Shot Attempt % | 52.5% | 47.5% |
| PDO | 97.9 | 101.3 |
| Power Play | 15.9% | 32.7% |
| Penalty Kill | 91.5% | 72.2% |
Projected Lines
There is no morning skate today. With some players questionable due to injury and some shakeups from yesterday’s practice, no one knows anything about the lineup for tonight, so instead here’s a photo of a baby hippo.
Veterans Day
Petition to swap today with Memorial Day, so today can be the cold-weather solemn remembrance of the people who gave all in service of their country and so that the summertime holiday can be a sincere and grateful party for the people still with us who have served in the Armed Forces.
Until that happens, here is my meager but most profound thank you to the people who have worn the uniform of our country and done their very best for something bigger than themselves. You’ve got my respect, and if I see you on Memorial Day, you can also have my hot dog and beer.
Storylines
- I wrote a long, in-depth piece about why Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin need to be broken up. Kuznetsov missed practice yesterday for personal reasons. While he was gone, Ovechkin skated with Nicklas Backstrom. I have no idea what lines we’ll see tonight.
- After going one for five on Friday, the Caps have ceded the number-one rank in power-play percentage to Winnipeg. Tonight’s opponent actually sport the league’s best PK percentage.
- John Carlson missed Friday’s game with a lower-body injury but is likely to return today. Meanwhile, Stanley Cup Champion Brooks Orpik remains on long-term injured reserve.
- There are some excellent photos from Elizabeth at yesterday’s Make-a-Wish skate session.
- Good jokes on Braden Holtby‘s outfit from Friday. Do you think Braden makes his own fashion choices or does Brandi run the show?
- The William Nylander situation in Toronto will not hold.
- Tim Peel.
Eleven Eleven
I think this Rufus Wainwright song is about the time, not the day. Either way it is excellent.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Coyotes
Headline photo: Paul Connors
