After a dominant December, the Washington Capitals have lost three games in a row. That stinks, but it’s not all doom and gloom. This afternoon the Caps will meet the Detroit Red Wings, third from last in the eastern conference. If the Caps can right the ship, it’ll happen today.
Puck drop is at 5 PM. The game’s on NBCSWA, but enterprising folks can stream the action using cutting-edge, space-age technology. Recap services will be furnished by our own brilliant Julia. Let’s get a W.
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Record | 16-20-7 | 24-12-4 |
| Shot Attempt % | 46.3% | 49.3% |
| PDO | 100.5 | 103.1 |
| Power Play | 17.4% (21st) | 22.1% (10th) |
| Penalty Kill | 77.6% (23rd) | 76.8% (26th) |
Projected Lines
The Caps did some line switching last game and traveled yesterday. I don’t know what the lines will be, aside from Holtby in net, so in lieu of that I now offer you this photo of a baby Tamarin and its mom.
You are welcome.
Powerless
The Caps haven’t drawn penalties well this season. They’ve had two or fewer PP opportunities in 14 of their 40 games, but — still — we all know the problem is what happens once they get on the power play. Right now it’s bad.
Over the last 10 games, the Caps have converted 6.9 percent of their power plays, which is not very nice at all. I suspect it’s mostly really bad luck, but the Caps are making some curious decisions about shot selection as well. They’re shooting a ton — especially recently — but it looks to me like more shots are coming from Backstrom and Kuznetsov’s half-wall area, rather than the slot.
via @HockeyViz, WSH PP1 last year and this year. Kuznetsov is shooting more, but from worse locations — including a lot more near the half wall. Volume is up overall. It's mostly percentages IMO. Stay the course. pic.twitter.com/wsuoTAYZsu
— Peter Hassett (@peterhassett) January 5, 2019
It’ll work out.
Storylines
- Peter finally got around to writing about the Caps defense, but really it’s about Evgeny Kuznetsov.
- The Todd Squad is going to the ASG.
- 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
- Me and Chris both liked the Caps’ effort against the Stars. Bad bounces sink ships.
- Alex^2 got bronze at WJC.
- Namita has built an ELF team-name generator.
Knuble’s Knights Remix
Morning moods. Heading to Detroit to watch some hockey with a couple guys by the names of Mike Knuble and Kelly Miller. pic.twitter.com/rfa96ZrLGQ
— Timothy Jimothy Yoshie (@tjyoshie77) January 6, 2019
Last summer, at the cigar and bourbon charity auction, I had the distinct privilege of watching Ryan and Nathan win the prize to watch today’s game with Mike Knuble. I’m jealous but excited to follow along. I hope you’ll join me.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Wings
Headline photo: Patrick McDermott
