021816 | RMNB

Barry Trotz on Changing the Top Two Lines: ‘Sometimes the Love Goes Out of the Marriage’

The Washington Capitals’ second line has been rolling lately, consisting of Evgeny Kuznetsov, Justin Williams, and Andre Burakovsky. Burakovsky has gone on the best scoring stretch of his career. That’s why we were all very confused when news broke that the top two lines had changed. Against the Islanders, Kuznetsov played between Alex Ovechkin and Justin Williams. Nicklas Backstrom centered the a line with Andre Burakovsky and TJ Oshie.

After the Caps 3-2 overtime win, Trotz explained his changes by referencing a marriage gone south and spaghetti.

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Spaghetti Guy: Caps Beat Isles 3-2 (OT)

Coming off a thrilling win on Tuesday, the Caps looked to get back on a winning streak after Saturday’s loss to Dallas. The day got off to an inauspicious start when the Capitals didn’t skate this morning, which is basically throwing in the towel. Washington indeed got off to a slow start with the Islanders taking the first six shots of the night. Later in the period, John Tavares put the moves on Nate Schmidt and Braden Holtby to open the period.

In the second, the Caps titled the ice like an hourglass, outshooting the Islanders 14-4. Alex Ovechkin tied the game up for the Caps, setup by a brilliant behind the net pass from first line center Evgeny Kuznetsov. Ovi added another less than two minutes later on the power play, this time assisted by the demoted and pathetic Nicklas Backstrom.

The Capitals continued to control play in the third, but couldn’t dent Thomas Greiss, winner of five of his last six, for an insurance goal. And sure enough, Frans Nielsen beat Braden Holtby with a minute and 44 seconds left to send the game into overtime.

J-Will with the slapper for the ballgame. Caps beat Isles 3-2 (OT)!

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By Chris Gordon 3 years ago

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Waaah-Waaah: Justin Williams Thinks Your Shenanigans Are Laughable

The Caps and Isles still hate each other, you guys. There have been face-washes, smack talk, and angry rough-housing after every whistle.

Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic even tried to get physical, physical with Justin Williams after a pedestrian hit along the boards.

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By Ian Oland 3 years ago

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LOL Isles: Evgeny Kuznetsov Did That Backwards Pass Again, Alex Ovechkin Slam Dunks Puck Home

Welcome back to the highlight-reel, Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Early in the second period, Kuzy did that backwards pass again, where he throws the puck behind his body to the opposite corner of the goal. The Isles, in particular goaltender Thomas Greiss, fell for the move. Hard.

The benefactor was Alex Ovechkin who scored one of the easiest goals of his career. It was his 36th of the season.

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By Ian Oland 3 years ago

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Dmitry Orlov’s Old School Hip Check of Anders Lee (GIF)

Caps fans have always marveled at Dmitry Orlov‘s offensive ability, but the dude can absolutely wreck people too.

The latest example was Orly’s first period hip check of Anders Lee.

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By Ian Oland 3 years ago

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Caps at Islanders Pregame: Here In Your Bedroom

Washington+Capitals+v+New+York+Islanders+xwaPONkOj5Nx

Photo: Bruce Bennett

Are you into teams that are 20 points out of first place? Can you simply not resist cheering for a team that has sold all real estate in their collective head to Tom Wilson? Ooooo boy, then do I have a team for you. That team is the New York Islanders, whom the Caps will play tonight in Brooklyn.

Road game for most #Caps tonight, but not for Tom Wilson, who will feel at home back in the friendly confines of the Islanders' heads…

— Japers' Rink (@JapersRink) February 18, 2016

Get your televisions tuned to CSN for the 7 PM game.

Team	Record	Possession	PDO	Power Play	Penalty Kill
Washington Capitals	41-10-4	51.7%	102.2	23.7%	83.9%
New York Islanders	30-19-6	51.3%	100.4	19.8%	87%

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By Patrick Holden 3 years ago

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